Question

A trauma survivor is requesting sleep medication because of "bad dreams." The nurse is concerned that the patient may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which question is a priority for the nurse to ask the patient?

a.
"Are you reliving your trauma?"
b.
"Are you having chest pain?"
c.
"Can you describe your phobias?"
d.
"Can you tell me when you wake up?"

Answer 1

The priority question for a nurse to ask a patient with potential PTSD is whether they are reliving their trauma, as this addresses a key symptom of PTSD. This information is critical for guiding treatment to improve long-term outcomes.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a trauma survivor requests sleep medication due to "bad dreams," a nurse suspecting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) needs to prioritize their questions to best assist the patient. The most pertinent question to ask is: "Are you reliving your trauma?" This question directly addresses a key symptom of PTSD, which is the re-experiencing of the traumatic event, often through vivid and distressing nightmares. This symptomatic inquiry can help guide the course of treatment, as addressing the underlying PTSD is crucial for long-term recovery and management of symptoms. Various treatments for PTSD can significantly improve outcomes, especially when recollection of the traumatic event is impeding the individual's daily functioning.