Final answer:
A community health nurse assessing a female veteran with military sexual trauma should be prepared to encounter psychological conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trust issues, as well as physical health concerns like STIs and other stress-related conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a female veteran diagnosed with military sexual trauma (MST), a community health nurse may anticipate a range of both psychological and physical health disorders. Psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and difficulties with trust, are common among survivors of sexual trauma. These mental health issues might manifest as flashbacks or paranoid feelings that can affect the client's ability to form trusting relationships. Physically, survivors may experience sexual health concerns, like sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as other conditions that could emerge from the long-term stress response, including gastrointestinal issues or urinary tract problems.
Given the high incidence of mental health disorders in this population, the nurse should approach the situation with sensitivity to build trust and ensure the patient feels safe and comfortable. The nurse will review the client's electronic health record for indications of such conditions, ready to provide the necessary support and referrals for treatment that address both mental and physical health needs resulting from MST.
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