A 16-year-old patient is brought into the emergency department ...

[serike]

A 16-year-old patient is brought into the emergency department (ED) after being attacked in an alley. The patient states that she can't see, but that she is otherwise okay. The initial assessment reveals no physiological reason for
 
  but several bruises, cuts, and abrasions are noted. After a thorough assessment, the patient is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The nurse knows that the patient is employing which defense mechanisms? Select all that apply.
  1. Denial
  2. Projection
  3. Conversion
  4. Suppression
  5. Displacement

Question 2

The nurse caring for a 5-year-old diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) knows that which coping mechanisms and/or symptoms may manifest during treatment?
 
  1. Crying and pacing
  2. Hoarding and migraines
  3. Nausea and separation anxiety
  4. Repetitive play and temper tantrums

[tandmlomax84]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 1, 3, 4
Explanation: The patient is using conversion, denial, and suppression as defense mechanisms. Conversion transfers mental conflict or trauma into a physical symptom. Denial is avoiding, ignoring, or rejecting a situation and the feelings associated with it. Suppression is the conscious denial of a disturbing situation or feeling. Displacement transfers emotions from one person, or object to another less threatening or more neutral person or object. Projection attributes thoughts or impulses to another person.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 4
Explanation: Children with PTSD will experience many of the same symptoms as adults; however, children ages 6 or younger may also exhibit headaches, stomachaches, temper tantrums in absence of provocation, repetitive play, reenactment of the event, or nightmares.

[serike]

Excellent

[peter]

Great answer, keep it coming