Scenario:
A 32-year-old army sergeant deployed in an active combat zone returns home for a family visit. His wife becomes alarmed when he begins to experience "flashbacks" and nightmares of the combat zone and becomes unable to function at home. He is subsequently admitted to the Mental Health Unit of a local hospital with a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Address the following:
What are the most important factors for the RN to assess when dealing with a client who is exhibiting flashbacks from combat?
How might the RN foster therapeutic communication with this client?
List three common flashback triggers for military personnel and describe how the RN can assist to decrease the effects.
Provide two nursing diagnosis statements (each statement must include an actual nursing diagnosis, related factor and as evidenced by) that might apply to military personnel experiencing flashbacks.