A nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a traumatic event. The patient exhibits symptoms of avoidance, hyperarousal, and intrusive thoughts. The nurse recognizes that the patient may be experiencing:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The patient is displaying symptoms consistent with PTSD, including avoidance (avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the trauma), hyperarousal (being easily startled or on edge), and intrusive thoughts (recurring, distressing memories of the trauma). Major depressive disorder (A) involves persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest, not specific to a traumatic event. Generalized anxiety disorder (C) involves excessive worry and anxiety about various events, not necessarily tied to a specific traumatic event. Bipolar disorder (D) involves mood swings between mania and depression, not specific to symptoms seen in PTSD.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because encouraging the patient to engage in deep breathing exercises is an evidence-based intervention for managing anxiety. Deep breathing helps activate the body's relaxation response, calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety symptoms. It is a non-invasive, simple technique that can be done anywhere. Choice A is incorrect because forcing a patient to face their fears immediately can escalate their anxiety. Choice B, while providing reassurance is important, may not address the underlying anxiety effectively. Choice D is incorrect as ignoring the patient's anxiety can lead to worsening symptoms and poor patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because regular exercise and engaging in enjoyable activities have been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and engaging in activities the patient enjoys can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. A: Avoiding social interaction can worsen symptoms of depression by increasing feelings of isolation and loneliness. B: While reassurance is important, it is not as effective as engaging in active interventions like exercise and enjoyable activities. D: Providing a list of medications without considering non-pharmacological interventions may not address the root causes of the patient's depression.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Encouraging the patient to engage in activities they previously enjoyed Rationale: 1. Encouraging enjoyable activities promotes positive reinforcement and a sense of accomplishment. 2. Activities can help distract from negative thoughts and improve mood. 3. Participation in activities can increase social interactions and support network. 4. It aligns with evidence-based practices for treating depression. Summary: B: Telling the patient to stop thinking negatively - Oversimplified approach, does not address underlying issues. C: Providing reassurance that the symptoms will go away on their own - Lack of proactive intervention, may lead to worsening symptoms. D: Instructing the patient to avoid social interactions - Isolating may exacerbate feelings of loneliness and worsen depression.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Physical or sexual abuse. Dissociative identity disorder is often linked to a history of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse. Trauma can lead to the development of different identities as a coping mechanism. Choices A, C, and D are unlikely to be directly related to dissociative identity disorder as they do not align with the typical characteristics or etiology of the disorder.