Trauma & Stress Related Disorders

In this lesson, we will define Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and review common signs and symptoms of the anxiety disorder that nurses will be assessing for.  We will discuss causes and risk factors for developing PTSD along with how signs and symptoms differ in children and adults. We will then identify priority nursing interventions for working with clients with PTSD, with safety always being the number one priority.  Treatments methods including therapy, medications, and medication side effects to be familiar with will also be reviewed in detail.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Describe causes and risk factors for developing PTSD
2. Summarize signs and symptoms of PTSD
3. Determine nursing interventions utilized in treating PTSD
4. Examine treatment methods used to treat PTSD