NUR 253 Exam 3 | Actual test
Questions and Answers | 2026
Update | 100% Correct-Galen.
Course
NUR 253
1. A client who witnessed a traumatic event reports intrusive memories, nightmares,
avoidance, and hypervigilance for three weeks. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Panic disorder
B. Acute stress disorder
C. Post-traumatic stress disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
Correct Answer: B. Acute stress disorder
Rationale: Acute stress disorder occurs after trauma when symptoms last from 3 days to less
than 1 month. PTSD requires symptoms to persist for more than 1 month.
2. A client with PTSD reports recurrent nightmares related to a previous assault. Which
nursing response is most therapeutic?
A. “You need to stop thinking about the event.”
B. “Try to forget what happened.”
C. “The nightmares sound very distressing. Tell me what happens when they occur.”
D. “Nightmares are unrelated to PTSD.”
Correct Answer: C. “The nightmares sound very distressing. Tell me what happens when they
occur.”
Rationale: The response acknowledges the client's distress and encourages therapeutic
exploration without minimizing the trauma.
3. Which finding is commonly associated with PTSD?
A. Hypervigilance
B. Increased appetite only
C. Euphoria
D. Complete absence of anxiety
, Correct Answer: A. Hypervigilance
Rationale: PTSD may involve intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in
cognition/mood, hyperarousal, exaggerated startle response, and hypervigilance.
4. A client with PTSD becomes visibly anxious after hearing a loud noise that reminds them of
the traumatic event. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the client to ignore the sound
B. Help the client identify that the stimulus triggered a trauma response
C. Leave the client alone
D. Challenge the client's memories
Correct Answer: B. Help the client identify that the stimulus triggered a trauma response
Rationale: Recognizing triggers and helping the client regain a sense of safety are important
components of trauma-informed care.
5. A client reports persistent anxiety after losing employment but does not meet criteria for
another mental disorder. Which condition may be considered?
A. Adjustment disorder
B. Dissociative identity disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: A. Adjustment disorder
Rationale: Adjustment disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an
identifiable stressor that cause significant distress or impairment.
6. A client suddenly travels away from home and cannot remember their identity or
important autobiographical information. Which disorder is most consistent with these
findings?
A. Dissociative fugue
B. Somatic symptom disorder
C. OCD
D. Panic disorder
Questions and Answers | 2026
Update | 100% Correct-Galen.
Course
NUR 253
1. A client who witnessed a traumatic event reports intrusive memories, nightmares,
avoidance, and hypervigilance for three weeks. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Panic disorder
B. Acute stress disorder
C. Post-traumatic stress disorder
D. Generalized anxiety disorder
Correct Answer: B. Acute stress disorder
Rationale: Acute stress disorder occurs after trauma when symptoms last from 3 days to less
than 1 month. PTSD requires symptoms to persist for more than 1 month.
2. A client with PTSD reports recurrent nightmares related to a previous assault. Which
nursing response is most therapeutic?
A. “You need to stop thinking about the event.”
B. “Try to forget what happened.”
C. “The nightmares sound very distressing. Tell me what happens when they occur.”
D. “Nightmares are unrelated to PTSD.”
Correct Answer: C. “The nightmares sound very distressing. Tell me what happens when they
occur.”
Rationale: The response acknowledges the client's distress and encourages therapeutic
exploration without minimizing the trauma.
3. Which finding is commonly associated with PTSD?
A. Hypervigilance
B. Increased appetite only
C. Euphoria
D. Complete absence of anxiety
, Correct Answer: A. Hypervigilance
Rationale: PTSD may involve intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in
cognition/mood, hyperarousal, exaggerated startle response, and hypervigilance.
4. A client with PTSD becomes visibly anxious after hearing a loud noise that reminds them of
the traumatic event. What should the nurse do first?
A. Tell the client to ignore the sound
B. Help the client identify that the stimulus triggered a trauma response
C. Leave the client alone
D. Challenge the client's memories
Correct Answer: B. Help the client identify that the stimulus triggered a trauma response
Rationale: Recognizing triggers and helping the client regain a sense of safety are important
components of trauma-informed care.
5. A client reports persistent anxiety after losing employment but does not meet criteria for
another mental disorder. Which condition may be considered?
A. Adjustment disorder
B. Dissociative identity disorder
C. Schizophrenia
D. Delirium
Correct Answer: A. Adjustment disorder
Rationale: Adjustment disorder involves emotional or behavioral symptoms in response to an
identifiable stressor that cause significant distress or impairment.
6. A client suddenly travels away from home and cannot remember their identity or
important autobiographical information. Which disorder is most consistent with these
findings?
A. Dissociative fugue
B. Somatic symptom disorder
C. OCD
D. Panic disorder
