Of the following list of nursing interventions for the patient ...

[eruditmonkey@yahoo.com]

Of the following list of nursing interventions for the patient with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), place them in order of priority, with the first being the highest priority.
 
  A) Ensure that the client's physical needs are met.
  B) Have the client identify the original trauma that started the PTSD.
  C) Establish suicidal/aggressive safety measures.
  D) Begin intensive one-on-one counseling.

Question 2

A client with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) asks the nurse about this eye movement, desensitization, and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment. The nurse explains that this treatment:
 
  A) Takes a long time because you have to have counseling sessions a minimum of twice a week.
  B) Guides the client through images of the trauma, allowing for progressive desensitization.
  C) Blocks the trauma from appearing in the client's psychological frame using carefully placed electrical stimuli.
  D) Helps the client understand why recovering from the trauma is difficult and gives them new ways of coping.

[tandmlomax84]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
After the physical health needs are met and suicidal/aggressive safety measures are established, the mental health nursing assessment targets specific areas. These include identification of the original trauma, specific physical symptoms, and the emotional and behavioral consequences of the client's PTSD.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
EDMR is a process of reviewing and visualizing disturbing memories of traumatic or distressing experiences to reduce the long-term impact of the events. The client is guided through images of the trauma, allowing for progressive desensitization. Under deep relaxation, the client maintains an image of the traumatic event while focusing on the lateral movement of the clinician's finger. This recent approach has been successful in minimizing the fear response and avoidance pattern of those with PTSD. Counseling, blocking trauma via electrical stimuli, and using cognitive processing therapy are not a part of EDMR, but are separate possible treatment plans.