Author Question: A military veteran is being assessed for outpatient therapy after he reports having problems at home ... (Read 53 times)

dakota nelson · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A military veteran is being assessed for outpatient therapy after he reports having problems at home and at work. Which of the symptoms that he describes are commonly associated with PTSD? Select all that apply.

A. I've been drinking and smoking pot daily.
B. I've been having trouble sleeping and I think I've been having nightmares but I can't remember them.
C. I slapped my wife when she was trying to hug me.
D. I've been having intense pain in the leg where I sustained a combat wound.

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the community mental health center for outpatient therapy with a diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder. Which of the following subjective statements by the patient support this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

A. I was divorced 3 months ago and I can't seem to cope.
B. I was a victim of date rape 15 years ago when I was in college.
C. My partner came home last week and told me he just didn't love me anymore.
D. I failed one of my classes last month and I can't get motivated to register for my next semester.

Athena23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, C
Common symptoms associated with PTSD include substance abuse, sleep disturbances, nightmares, and aggression. Whereas the combat exposure and wounding could be described as traumas, the patient's complaint of pain requires further physical assessment rather than assuming this symptom is related to PTSD.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, C, D
A diagnosis of Adjustment Disorder is appropriate when the stressors are related to relational conflict, where there are significant emotional or behavioral symptoms, and when the response occurs within 3 months after the onset of the stressor (and persists no longer than 6 months). Item B would be more aptly described as a traumatic event.