Domain 9. Coping-stress tolerance
Class 1. Post-trauma responses
Diagnostic Code: 00141
Nanda label: Post-trauma syndrome
Diagnostic focus: Post-trauma syndrome
Introduction to Nursing Diagnosis Post-Trauma Syndrome
Nursing diagnosis post-trauma syndrome is a medical issue associated with going through a traumatic experience. Commonly referred to as PTSD, it can manifest in physical and psychological symptoms that often require professional help from nurses, psychologists and other medical professionals. By learning about this diagnosis and corresponding treatments, it becomes possible to help those dealing with mental health issues linked to post-trauma syndrome.
NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Definition
PTSD diagnoses fall under PTSD (Post-Trauma Stress Disorder), part of NANDA nursing diagnosis. This classification broadly documents how people may respond to certain events that are extremely distressing. This response includes avoidance, anxiety and fear, as well as physical ailments such as headaches or fatigue.
Defining Characteristics
When attempting to qualify whether someone has really caught Post-Trauma Syndrome, look into the following defining characteristics:
Subjectives: Negative alterations in cognition, mood, emotions, and self-perception. Symptoms of anxiety, fear, irritability, angry outbursts. Inability to establish healthy relationships or find the will to commit to them.
Objectives: Physical warning signs of increased heart rate, sweating, rapid breathing, shallow and irregular breath. Changes in sleeping and eating habits as well as restlessness.
Related Factors
The factors related to post-trauma syndrome are connected to the initial event. Many sufferers tend to link the feeling of fear caused by the trauma with certain situations in the present or certain types of stimuli. This connection leads to negative experiences associated with things that are not necessarily dangerous in the present moment.
At-Risk Population
Some groups of people are more likely to suffer from post-trauma syndrome due to their particular circumstances. Those that are more exposed to traumatic events are particularly vulnerable. Some situations that can contribute to high exposure include war veterans, those affected by natural disasters, survivors of acts of violence and abuse, etc. Children are even more vulnerable as they are less equipped mentally to understand and cope with the situation.
Associated Conditions
Apart from the classic symptoms of PTSD, different associated conditions can occur. Sometimes there can be problems with concentration, memory and decision-making. People can also develop long-term withdrawal or depression, among others.
Suggested Use
Nurses and other professionals should combine an appropriate diagnosis, such as PTSD or NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Post-Trauma Syndrome, and the proper use of medications and therapies in order to provide the client with effective treatment. Effective treatments specifically tailored to the individual needs at hand are recommended.
Suggested NANDA Nursing Diagnosis Alternatives
Besides PTSD, there are some alternative diagnostic choices to consider. These include Anxiety, Withdrawal, Sleep Pattern Disturbance, Risk for Secondary Injury, Pain and Grieving. It’s important to assess the individual situation before making a final diagnosis.
Usage Tips
When it comes to nursing diagnosis post-trauma syndrome, the use of multiple treatments might be required. An appropriate combination of pharmacological medications and psychotherapy sessions should be administered. Healthy lifestyle interventions can also be helpful for some.
NOC Outcomes
A set of patient Outcomes has been established by the National Outcomes Measures NOC:
1. Anxiety Level: Patient’s ability to identify and manage feelings of fear, worry and discomfort.
2. Social Interaction: Patient’s comfort level with participating in social groups and activities outside the home.
3. Resilience: The patient’s ability to bounce back from adversity and successfully adapt to stressful situations.
4. Pain Management: The patient’s capability to control distress, pain and discomfort.
5. Quality of Life : The degree to which the patient’s overall life satisfaction is met.
Evaluation Objectives and Criteria
In order to assess the effectiveness of interventions, a series of criteria must be established to measure patient progress. This includes the use of questionnaires, interviews and observations to objectively measure the improvement displayed.
NIC Interventions
The Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) offers standard interventions available to help manage post-trauma syndrome. They are:
1. Counseling: Offering both one on one counseling sessions and group support as an added layer of emotional support.
2. Cognitive Restructuring: Teaching patient new ways of understanding and managing thoughts, feelings and sensations related to trauma.
3. Relapse Prevention: Helping patients learn strategies that can reduce the possibility of reoccuring episodes.
4. Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation and deep breathing exercises can help alleviate symptoms of PTSD.
5. Education: Providing education in regards to trauma and its effects can help patients gain insight and increase understanding.
Nursing Activities
Nurses should focus on developing rapport with the patient and empowering them to take control. Through advocacy, networking and camaraderie, nurses can build on patients’ sense of safety and provide social support, while counselling and education can help strengthen the patient’s autonomy.
Conclusion
Nursing diagnosis post-trauma syndrome is an important condition that requires the right guidance and care. Identifying the best approach requires first correctly diagnosing the patient, then determining the ideal combination of medical treatments, psychotherapies, and lifestyle changes. Nurses play an important role when it comes to PTSD, offering treatments in both physical and psychological aspects.
FAQs
Q. What is nursing diagnosis post-trauma syndrome?
A. Nursing diagnosis post-trauma syndrome is a medical issue associated with going through a traumatic experience. Commonly referred to as PTSD, it can manifest in physical and psychological symptoms that often require professional help from nurses, psychologists and other medical professionals.
Q. What defines someone with post-trauma syndrome?
A. When attempting to determine whether someone has really developed post-trauma syndrome, look into the following defining characteristics: Negative alterations in cognition, mood, emotions, and self-perception. Symptoms of anxiety, fear, irritability, angry outbursts. Along with physical warning signs of increased heart rate, sweating, rapid breathing, shallow and irregular breath.
Q. Who is most at-risk of developing nursing diagnosis post-trauma syndrome?
A. Those that are exposed to more traumatic events are more susceptible to developing post-trauma syndrome. Warranting more concern for war veterans, those affected by natural disasters, survivors of acts of violence and abuse, etc. This also applies, even more so, to children.
Q. What sort of treatments might be needed?
A. The ideal treatment for post-trauma syndrome is generally a combination of pharmacological medications and psychosocial treatments including psychotherapy and cognitive restructuring. Healthy lifestyle interventions can also be helpful here.
Q. What sort of activities should nurses carry out?
A. Nurses should focus on developing rapport with the patient and empowering them to take control. Through advocacy, networking and camaraderie, nurses can build on patients’ sense of safety and provide social support, while counselling and education can help strengthen the patient’s autonomy.