A nurse at a mental health clinic is caring for an adolescent client who has posttraumatic stress disorder following a violent episode with a stranger. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adolescents involves re-experiencing trauma through flashbacks and heightened autonomic arousal. Nursing care focuses on grounding techniques and relaxation exercises to help the client regain a sense of control over their physiological and emotional responses to traumatic memories and environmental triggers. A. Regression is an immature defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier developmental stage. Directing a client to use regression is counter-therapeutic, as the goal of PTSD treatment is to foster age-appropriate coping skills and resilience rather than encouraging the abandonment of developed cognitive and social abilities. B. Instructing a client to avoid expressing anger and fear is detrimental to recovery. Suppressing emotions related to trauma can exacerbate PTSD symptoms and lead to psychological distress. Therapeutic care involves providing a safe space for the client to acknowledge, express, and eventually process these difficult emotions through trauma-informed therapy. C. While some sessions may be private, automatically excluding guardians is not standard practice for adolescents unless there is a suspicion of abuse. Family support is often a critical component of adolescent recovery. The decision to exclude guardians should be based on the client's preference and the specific therapeutic goals. D. Guided imagery is an evidence-based relaxation technique that helps lower anxiety and manage the hyperarousal associated with PTSD. By focusing on a peaceful mental image, the client can shift their attention away from intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, promoting a state of physiological calm and emotional regulation.