Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD is a condition experienced by someone that has endured a traumatic event, in most cases. PTSD affects people in different ways and at different levels. One person may go through an event that is traumatic, and have no problems coping, while another person may suffer tremendously. PTSD can ruin a person's life if left untreated, and there are considerations when working with a patient that is suffering from PTSD. PTSD in a Hospital Setting There are numerous sounds and noises in a hospital that could trigger anxiety in a person suffering from PTSD. It's best to have patients located at the end of the hallway or other areas that may be less noisy, or have less traffic. Exercise patience with the PTSD sufferers, you may have to tell, them things more than one, concentration is a problem with most sufferers. Related: nsomnia in Nurses Recognizing PTSD Symptoms PTSD is diagnosed after a person experiences symptoms for at least one month following a traumatic event. However, symptoms may not appear until several months or even years later. The disorder is usually recognized by certain symptoms: Re-experiencing the trauma through intrusive distressing recollections of the event, flashbacks, and nightmares. Emotional numbness and avoidance of places, people, and activities that are reminders of the trauma. Increased arousal such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling jumpy, and being easily irritated and angered. Common Causes of PTSD • directly experiencing the traumatic events • witnessing, in person, the traumatic events • learning that the traumatic events occurred to a close family member or close friend; cases of actual or threatened death must have been violent or accidental • spontaneous or cued recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories of the traumatic events • recurrent distressing dreams in which the content or affect (i.e. feeling) of the dream is related to the events • flashbacks or other dissociative reactions in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic events are recurring
• intense or prolonged psychological distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic events • physiological reactions to reminders of the traumatic events Persistent avoidance of distressing memories, thoughts, or feelings about or closely associated with the traumatic events or of external reminders (i.e., people, places, conversations, activities, objects, situations) Diagnosing and Treatment • inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic events • persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world “No one can be trusted,” "The world is completely dangerous". • persistent, distorted blame of self or others about the cause or consequences of the traumatic events • persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame • markedly diminished interest or participation in significant activities • feelings of detachment or estrangement from others • persistent inability to experience positive emotions • irritable or aggressive behavior • reckless or self-destructive behavior • hyper vigilance • exaggerated startle response • problems with concentration • difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless sleep Related: Why get your Master’s in Nursing? In order to properly treat PTSD, there has to be an accurate diagnosis, and that can take some time. It’s best to have a specialist trained in PTSD, they can do a full evaluation and determine if the patient actually suffers from PTSD. If it is determined that they do, treatment should begin as soon as possible. Treatment may involve medication, behavior therapy, and counseling. Treatment for PTSD can be ongoing; much of it depends on the patient’s response to treatment. Working with a patient that has PTSD, there are a few guidelines to follow to ensure everyone is comfortable and that medical treatment is not adding to the patient’s anxiety level. When approaching the patient to give injections or any type of treatment, always advise them ahead of time what you’re planning to do, what your next move is. The beep sound promotes fear, so the patient could jerk and the result can be an accidental stick of a needle.
It’s not difficult to work with PTSD patients. You just have to make yourself aware of their condition and ask for input from the psychiatrist involved. Related: Highly Respected Registered Nurse, Freda Kiboko, BSN, RN, will be Featured in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter