Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) · NCLEX Exam

A nurse is leading a PTSD support group and one member begins to dissociate (zoning out, unresponsive). What is the best nurse response?

  1. Leave the client alone until they spontaneously return to alertness
  2. Halt the group and require every member to immediately share feelings
  3. Gently reorient the client to the present using grounding, ensuring safety
  4. Raise your voice and shame the client for dissociating in front of others
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Correct answer: Gently reorient the client to the present using grounding, ensuring safety

Dissociation is common in PTSD; the nurse should use grounding techniques to bring safety and orientation, ensuring the client’s stability before continuing.

Difficulty: Medium Question 14 of 14

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