Nurses work with healthcare teams that are in charge of treating PTSD in a variety of settings. The role nurses play and how they assist with treatment plans are things you should become familiar with if you want to work in the nursing field and have a passion for helping patients who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the roles and responsibilities of nurses can vary from office to office and clinic to clinic, the following fundamental information will help you become familiar with the nurse's role when addressing this important national health issue.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Long after a traumatic event has occurred, PTSD sufferers continue to have troubling thoughts or feelings connected to it. The traumatic event may have been directly experienced by the person or directly witnessed, but PTSD can also be brought on by learning that a family member or close friend has gone through a traumatic event.
A single incident or repeated exposure to upsetting or unsettling episodes can set off the disorder. For instance, emergency responders who frequently see scenes of injury and death may develop PTSD. People are more likely to develop PTSD if they are close to a traumatic event, exposed to multiple traumatic events, have previously experienced trauma, and have a chronic illness.
Nursing Assessment For PTSD
After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a physical or sexual assault, an accident, a war, a natural disaster, or the untimely passing of a loved one, posttraumatic stress disorder may develop. The inability to function socially, at work, and in relationships is hampered by persistent feelings of fear, shock, anger, anxiety, and guilt. A certain number of symptoms from each of four distinct categories—re-experiencing, avoidance, persistently negative cognitions, mood changes, and changes in arousal and activity—must be present for a diagnosis to be made.
Diagnosis
It is important to ask the patient directly about the trauma and any symptoms they are experiencing, such as nightmares, flashbacks, trouble adjusting to daily life, and emotional numbing. Inquire about the patient's daily life and how symptoms are affecting it. In addition, check for alcohol and drug use, other psychiatric conditions, and previous stresses. Patients should be directly questioned about suicidal thoughts or plans, and staff members should look for signs of suicidality, especially in those who abuse drugs or alcohol.
PTSD Treatment and Management
After a formal diagnosis, it's crucial to select the best course of treatment. Although nurses may not actually recommend a patient to a specialist or write a prescription, they can help calm the patient's anxiety and provide follow-up care during assessment appointments. A nurse might ask about side effects if the patient has been given medication.
Patients may be taught about trauma and its effects on the brain by some nurses. They can also assist in teaching patients how to relax and control their anger. Patients who exercise, eat well, and get enough sleep typically recover faster from their illnesses. Nurses can make a significant difference by encouraging patients and providing them with the knowledge they need to concentrate on a cure.
Moreover, treatment for PTSD may involve educating patients on how to manage their symptoms, which can be intense and upsetting. Patients can gain control over their emotional and physical symptoms, in particular, by being taught how to better manage their emotions, communicate with others, and use relaxation techniques (such as music, deep breathing, visualization, and meditation) when uncomfortable feelings or sensations arise.
Nurses may assist patients in learning about trauma and how it affects the brain. Additionally, they can aid in teaching patients how to relax and control their anger. Healthy eating, regular sleep habits, and exercise are associated with better treatment outcomes for patients. Nurses can significantly impact patients by providing them with the support and knowledge they need to concentrate on a cure.
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