Practice Question
A client with PTSD experiences exaggerated startle response. The client is paranoid and hypervigilant. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Provide a structured environment with predictable routines, and consistent staff
Rationale:
🔷 Clients with PTSD benefit from stability, routine, and predictability, which reduce hypervigilance and increase a sense of control and safety.
🔷 A structured environment reduces triggers that may exacerbate startle responses or paranoia.
🔷 Consistent staffing builds trust and rapport, which are essential in trauma-informed care.
🔷 Sudden changes or chaos in care can intensify symptoms such as flashbacks or panic.
🔷 This approach also facilitates the use of therapeutic interventions like grounding or coping skills.
Want to practice more questions like this?
This question is from RN ATI Mental Health Exam 3 which contains 51 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive anxiety and worry in response to a variety of circumstances, and is unable to control their sense of worry. The nurse should identity that these manifestations indicate which of the following?
Answer Choices:
A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lithium to treat bipolar disorder. The nurse should instruct the client to ensure an adequate intake of which of the following dietary elements?
Answer Choices:
A patient with bipolar II disorder is most likely to experience:
Answer Choices:
Which patient is at the highest risk of developing postpartum depression?
Answer Choices:
A patient with a history of bipolar I disorder is prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac) for a depressive episode. What is the nurse's priority action?
Answer Choices:
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI Mental Health
- Answer Choices: 4