Trauma-Informed Care – 2026-2027 Nursing
Practices Brandnew!!!!!!!!!!!
What internal factor promotes posttraumatic growth?
A) Openness to new experiences
B) Avoidance of social support
C) Rigid thinking patterns
D) Suppression of emotions
Correct Answer: A) Openness to new experiences
Rationale: Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological change following
adversity, and openness to new experiences is an internal factor that facilitates this
process. Individuals high in openness are more willing to explore new perspectives,
integrate difficult experiences into their worldview, and engage in reflective processing, all
of which promote growth. Avoidance, rigidity, and emotional suppression are generally
associated with poorer outcomes and would likely impede posttraumatic growth.
Which of these conditions is MOST closely linked to ACEs?
A) Chronic pain
B) Seasonal allergies
C) Acute sprained ankle
D) Mild sunburn
Correct Answer: A) Chronic pain
Rationale: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with long-term
health consequences, including chronic pain conditions. The stress-response
dysregulation caused by early adversity can lead to persistent physiological changes that
manifest as chronic pain. Seasonal allergies, acute sprains, and mild sunburns are not
typically linked to ACEs in the same well-established way that chronic pain is.
What is the BEST example of a positive childhood experience that promotes
resilience?
A) Being able to talk to family about emotions
B) Having unlimited screen time
C) Being praised only for achievements
D) Avoiding all conflicts
Correct Answer: A) Being able to talk to family about emotions
Rationale: Positive childhood experiences that promote resilience include supportive
relationships where children feel safe expressing emotions. Being able to talk to family
about emotions builds trust, emotional regulation, and a sense of being understood, all of
,which buffer against adversity. Unlimited screen time, conditional praise, and conflict
avoidance do not build the same foundational resilience skills.
A client witnessed a stabbing several days ago. They feel nervous and have had sleep
problems since the event. They are also jumpy and hypervigilant. What term BEST
describes their response to the stabbing?
A) Acute reaction
B) Posttraumatic stress disorder
C) Adjustment disorder
D) Panic disorder
Correct Answer: A) Acute reaction
Rationale: The client's symptoms began several days ago and include nervousness, sleep
problems, jumpiness, and hypervigilance following a traumatic event. This time frame and
symptom pattern is best described as an acute reaction, which may include acute stress
disorder features. PTSD requires symptoms lasting more than one month, adjustment
disorder involves responding to a stressor with emotional or behavioral symptoms but is
less specific to trauma, and panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks
rather than a reaction to a specific traumatic event.
You are treating a client who was sexually abused by their sibling. They repeatedly
accuse you of not caring about them. You recognize that they are "testing" the
relationship because they have been hurt by people and systems who were supposed
to protect them. What principle of trauma-informed care MOST guides your
perspective?
A) Trustworthiness and transparency
B) Peer support
C) Empowerment, voice, and choice
D) Cultural, historical, and gender issues
Correct Answer: A) Trustworthiness and transparency
Rationale: Trustworthiness and transparency is the trauma-informed principle that guides
understanding of a client's difficulty trusting providers. When a client has been betrayed by
people and systems that should have protected them, they may test relationships to see if
the provider is safe and reliable. Recognizing this dynamic and responding consistently,
honestly, and predictably embodies trustworthiness and transparency. Peer support
involves individuals with lived experience, empowerment focuses on client strengths and
choice, and cultural issues address identity and historical context.
Your client is extremely angry about something that happened at work. You identify
ways to support them and ask the client for their preference. They state that they
, would like to express their emotions while you listen. You ask if they would like
feedback or suggestions after they have expressed emotions and returned to baseline.
They ask that you wait until the next session, and you respect their request. What
principle of trauma-informed care most guides this intervention?
A) Collaboration and mutuality
B) Safety
C) Trustworthiness and transparency
D) Peer support
Correct Answer: A) Collaboration and mutuality
Rationale: Collaboration and mutuality emphasizes partnering with clients, sharing power,
and honoring their preferences in the therapeutic process. In this scenario, the clinician
asks the client for their preference, checks whether they want feedback, and respects the
client's request to wait until the next session. This shared decision-making and respect for
the client's autonomy reflects collaboration and mutuality. Safety focuses on physical and
psychological safety, trustworthiness on consistency and honesty, and peer support on
mutual help from others with lived experience.
A client with a history of trauma is hesitant to engage in traditional therapy. You
suggest peer support. What is the MAIN reason to recommend peer support?
A) Peer support enhances connection and engagement in recovery.
B) Peer support replaces the need for professional therapy.
C) Peer support is only for group settings.
D) Peer support avoids all discussions of trauma.
Correct Answer: A) Peer support enhances connection and engagement in recovery.
Rationale: Peer support is recommended because it can enhance connection and
engagement in recovery, particularly for individuals who are hesitant about traditional
therapy. Peer support offers validation, hope, and a sense of community from others with
lived experience, which can reduce isolation and increase motivation to engage in recovery.
It does not replace professional therapy, is not limited to group settings, and does not avoid
trauma discussions entirely.
You are treating a client with severe anxiety. They become dysregulated in an
appointment when discussing details about a traumatic experience. The session goes
beyond its endpoint, and the client leaves your clinic overwhelmed. They cancel their
follow-up appointment, explaining that they do not think they are ready for therapy.
What should you have done to create a psychologically safe environment?
A) Improved containment
B) Longer sessions
C) More detailed trauma exploration
Practices Brandnew!!!!!!!!!!!
What internal factor promotes posttraumatic growth?
A) Openness to new experiences
B) Avoidance of social support
C) Rigid thinking patterns
D) Suppression of emotions
Correct Answer: A) Openness to new experiences
Rationale: Posttraumatic growth refers to positive psychological change following
adversity, and openness to new experiences is an internal factor that facilitates this
process. Individuals high in openness are more willing to explore new perspectives,
integrate difficult experiences into their worldview, and engage in reflective processing, all
of which promote growth. Avoidance, rigidity, and emotional suppression are generally
associated with poorer outcomes and would likely impede posttraumatic growth.
Which of these conditions is MOST closely linked to ACEs?
A) Chronic pain
B) Seasonal allergies
C) Acute sprained ankle
D) Mild sunburn
Correct Answer: A) Chronic pain
Rationale: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are strongly associated with long-term
health consequences, including chronic pain conditions. The stress-response
dysregulation caused by early adversity can lead to persistent physiological changes that
manifest as chronic pain. Seasonal allergies, acute sprains, and mild sunburns are not
typically linked to ACEs in the same well-established way that chronic pain is.
What is the BEST example of a positive childhood experience that promotes
resilience?
A) Being able to talk to family about emotions
B) Having unlimited screen time
C) Being praised only for achievements
D) Avoiding all conflicts
Correct Answer: A) Being able to talk to family about emotions
Rationale: Positive childhood experiences that promote resilience include supportive
relationships where children feel safe expressing emotions. Being able to talk to family
about emotions builds trust, emotional regulation, and a sense of being understood, all of
,which buffer against adversity. Unlimited screen time, conditional praise, and conflict
avoidance do not build the same foundational resilience skills.
A client witnessed a stabbing several days ago. They feel nervous and have had sleep
problems since the event. They are also jumpy and hypervigilant. What term BEST
describes their response to the stabbing?
A) Acute reaction
B) Posttraumatic stress disorder
C) Adjustment disorder
D) Panic disorder
Correct Answer: A) Acute reaction
Rationale: The client's symptoms began several days ago and include nervousness, sleep
problems, jumpiness, and hypervigilance following a traumatic event. This time frame and
symptom pattern is best described as an acute reaction, which may include acute stress
disorder features. PTSD requires symptoms lasting more than one month, adjustment
disorder involves responding to a stressor with emotional or behavioral symptoms but is
less specific to trauma, and panic disorder involves recurrent unexpected panic attacks
rather than a reaction to a specific traumatic event.
You are treating a client who was sexually abused by their sibling. They repeatedly
accuse you of not caring about them. You recognize that they are "testing" the
relationship because they have been hurt by people and systems who were supposed
to protect them. What principle of trauma-informed care MOST guides your
perspective?
A) Trustworthiness and transparency
B) Peer support
C) Empowerment, voice, and choice
D) Cultural, historical, and gender issues
Correct Answer: A) Trustworthiness and transparency
Rationale: Trustworthiness and transparency is the trauma-informed principle that guides
understanding of a client's difficulty trusting providers. When a client has been betrayed by
people and systems that should have protected them, they may test relationships to see if
the provider is safe and reliable. Recognizing this dynamic and responding consistently,
honestly, and predictably embodies trustworthiness and transparency. Peer support
involves individuals with lived experience, empowerment focuses on client strengths and
choice, and cultural issues address identity and historical context.
Your client is extremely angry about something that happened at work. You identify
ways to support them and ask the client for their preference. They state that they
, would like to express their emotions while you listen. You ask if they would like
feedback or suggestions after they have expressed emotions and returned to baseline.
They ask that you wait until the next session, and you respect their request. What
principle of trauma-informed care most guides this intervention?
A) Collaboration and mutuality
B) Safety
C) Trustworthiness and transparency
D) Peer support
Correct Answer: A) Collaboration and mutuality
Rationale: Collaboration and mutuality emphasizes partnering with clients, sharing power,
and honoring their preferences in the therapeutic process. In this scenario, the clinician
asks the client for their preference, checks whether they want feedback, and respects the
client's request to wait until the next session. This shared decision-making and respect for
the client's autonomy reflects collaboration and mutuality. Safety focuses on physical and
psychological safety, trustworthiness on consistency and honesty, and peer support on
mutual help from others with lived experience.
A client with a history of trauma is hesitant to engage in traditional therapy. You
suggest peer support. What is the MAIN reason to recommend peer support?
A) Peer support enhances connection and engagement in recovery.
B) Peer support replaces the need for professional therapy.
C) Peer support is only for group settings.
D) Peer support avoids all discussions of trauma.
Correct Answer: A) Peer support enhances connection and engagement in recovery.
Rationale: Peer support is recommended because it can enhance connection and
engagement in recovery, particularly for individuals who are hesitant about traditional
therapy. Peer support offers validation, hope, and a sense of community from others with
lived experience, which can reduce isolation and increase motivation to engage in recovery.
It does not replace professional therapy, is not limited to group settings, and does not avoid
trauma discussions entirely.
You are treating a client with severe anxiety. They become dysregulated in an
appointment when discussing details about a traumatic experience. The session goes
beyond its endpoint, and the client leaves your clinic overwhelmed. They cancel their
follow-up appointment, explaining that they do not think they are ready for therapy.
What should you have done to create a psychologically safe environment?
A) Improved containment
B) Longer sessions
C) More detailed trauma exploration
