Care of the Client with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Course overview

Anyone can develop post-traumatic stress disorder at any age. According to the National Center for PTSD, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about six out of every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. Certain aspects of the traumatic event and some biological factors may make some people more likely to develop PTSD. This course will examine the impact on individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. Areas to be discussed are symptoms, individuals at highest risk, and implications for care when the individual is a child or adolescent. The role of the nurse in caring for a client with PTSD will be outlined. Treatment options will be examined to allow the nurse to provide education and play a supportive role during the treatment process.