Question

Scenario:

A 35-year-old man, former Army sergeant, was involved in a multi-vehicle accident on a major highway. He was relatively unhurt, but witnessed several bodies strewn across the road immediately after the accident. This caused him to experience “flashbacks” from an active Army combat zone several years earlier. He begins to have nightmares of the accident and becomes unable to function at home. His wife accompanies him to a Crisis Unit where he is subsequently admitted to the Mental Health Unit of a local hospital with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Initial Discussion Post:

Address the following:

What are the most important factors for the RN to assess when dealing with a client who is exhibiting flashbacks?

How might the RN foster therapeutic communication with this client?

List three common flashback triggers for former military personnel and describe how the RN can assist to decrease the effects.

Provide two 3-part nursing diagnosis statements that might apply to former military personnel experiencing flashbacks. Each statement must include an actual NANDA-I nursing diagnosis, a related factor, and “as evidenced by.” (No risk-for diagnoses permitted.)

Answer 1

1.Based on the case scenario given above the Army sergeant during his ordeal has to deal with a lot of incidents and therefore it is quite obvious that he might been influenced by his intrusive thinkings which has bee a part of his ordeal.So such thoughts which might be emotions,sounds and sensations may result in creating flashbacks.This are the factors of flashbackwhich needs to be considered.

2 The RN must first help him to identify his own feelings and ensure that effective approaches are taken with the aim of helping clients who exhibitsflasbacks.Therefore the RN should use appropriate communication technique so that the victim will feel comfortable to express his feelings without the fear of being judged or criticized.She should also be efficient in observing verbal and non-verbal behaviour of the victi,so that he will be able to make a caeful assessment of his feelings..

3 Anniversary date of the original trauma,Movies ,TV news showing warzone and certain life events.So the main aim of the nurses is to teach relaxation techniques which is suited to the persons personality.Providing ongoing support and encouragement definitely helps.Reassurance should begiven to the client the contents will ot be discussed.Teach the patient orientation techniques and subsequent sessions are then sorted out which is based on solution-focused brief therapy.

4 Persistent avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma and numbing of general responsiveness,as evidenced by efforts to avoid thoughts,feelings or conversations associated with the trauma.

Persistent symptoms of increased arousal ,as evidencd by difficulty falling asleep.