Psychosocial Aspects of Trauma Care Flashcards

A patient arrives to the ED after a motor vehicle crash. Despite minor physical injuries, she is mute, staring blankly, and unresponsive to questions. This presentation is most consistent with:

Answer: Acute stress reaction

Acute stress reaction is a normal immediate response to overwhelming trauma, often manifesting as dissociation, numbness, or mutism.

Which intervention best supports a trauma patient experiencing acute psychological distress in the emergency department?

Answer: Provide calm, brief explanations of procedures, maintain a therapeutic presence, and involve support persons when possible

Consistent presence, clear communication, and family support reduce anxiety and foster trust during acute trauma care.

When informing a family of a patient's critical condition, which communication strategy is most appropriate?

Answer: Use clear, jargon-free language in a private space, and allow time for questions and emotional responses

Private, honest, compassionate communication with time for questions is the standard for delivering difficult news to trauma families.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) differs from acute stress disorder (ASD) primarily in which way?

Answer: ASD symptoms resolve within 4 weeks of trauma, while PTSD symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks

ASD occurs within the first month after trauma; PTSD is diagnosed when similar symptoms persist beyond one month.

A trauma nurse who begins experiencing nightmares, emotional numbing, and avoidance of trauma cases is likely experiencing:

Answer: Compassion fatigue or secondary traumatic stress

Compassion fatigue/secondary traumatic stress occurs when caregivers absorb the trauma of their patients, producing PTSD-like symptoms.

Which statement best reflects the trauma-informed care principle of 'safety'?

Answer: Creating an environment where patients feel physically and emotionally safe and in control of their care

Trauma-informed safety means minimizing re-traumatization by giving patients information, choices, and a sense of control in their environment.