Chapter 36: Soldiers and Veterans
Steele: Keltner’s Psychiatric Nursing,
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A soldier was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The soldier‘s spouse reports
that when a telephone rings during the night, the soldier rolls out of bed and assumes an
aggressive stance. How will the nurse document this finding?
a. Flashback
b. Avoidance
c. Hyperarousal
d. Re-experiencing
ANS: C
Hyperarousal includes exaggerated responses to noises and other environmental stimuli. It is part
of the constellation of problems that impair sleep for persons with PTSD. Flashbacks are an
aspect of re-experiencing. Avoidance is another criterion for PTSD.
DIF: Cognitive level: Applying TOP: Nursing process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. Which social event would likely be most disturbing for this soldier diagnosed with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD)?
a. Halloween festival with neighborhood children
b. Picnic and fireworks display on July 4th
c. Singing carols around a Christmas tree
d. A family outing to the seashore
ANS: B
The exploding noises associated with fireworks are likely to provoke exaggerated responses
, from this soldier. The distracters are not associated with offensive sounds.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analyzing TOP: Nursing process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A nurse counsels an 87-year-old veteran of World War II who tearfully shares memories of
sights associated with Nazi concentration camps. When discussing this reaction, the nurse should
which term since it will be most familiar to this veteran?
a. Shell shock
b. Battle fatigue
c. Soldier‘s heart
Steele: Keltner’s Psychiatric Nursing,
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. A soldier was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The soldier‘s spouse reports
that when a telephone rings during the night, the soldier rolls out of bed and assumes an
aggressive stance. How will the nurse document this finding?
a. Flashback
b. Avoidance
c. Hyperarousal
d. Re-experiencing
ANS: C
Hyperarousal includes exaggerated responses to noises and other environmental stimuli. It is part
of the constellation of problems that impair sleep for persons with PTSD. Flashbacks are an
aspect of re-experiencing. Avoidance is another criterion for PTSD.
DIF: Cognitive level: Applying TOP: Nursing process: Implementation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
2. Which social event would likely be most disturbing for this soldier diagnosed with posttraumatic
stress disorder (PTSD)?
a. Halloween festival with neighborhood children
b. Picnic and fireworks display on July 4th
c. Singing carols around a Christmas tree
d. A family outing to the seashore
ANS: B
The exploding noises associated with fireworks are likely to provoke exaggerated responses
, from this soldier. The distracters are not associated with offensive sounds.
DIF: Cognitive level: Analyzing TOP: Nursing process: Evaluation
MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity
3. A nurse counsels an 87-year-old veteran of World War II who tearfully shares memories of
sights associated with Nazi concentration camps. When discussing this reaction, the nurse should
which term since it will be most familiar to this veteran?
a. Shell shock
b. Battle fatigue
c. Soldier‘s heart
