A nurse is admitting a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to a community mental health facility. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect when completing the admission assessment?

A. Decreased startle response to loud noises. Clients with PTSD typically have an exaggerated startle response due to hyperarousal and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. Instead of a decreased reaction, they may overreact to sudden noises or movements. B. Reports uninterrupted sleep of 10 to 12 h each night. Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, nightmares, and restless sleep, are common in PTSD. Clients often experience difficulty falling or staying asleep, rather than getting long, uninterrupted rest. C. Reluctance to discuss the event that precipitated the distress. Avoidance of trauma-related thoughts, discussions, or reminders is a hallmark symptom of PTSD. Clients may feel overwhelmed, ashamed, or fearful when recalling the traumatic event and often attempt to suppress these memories. D. Reports feelings of acute distress that began 1 to 2 weeks ago. PTSD symptoms typically develop within 3 months of the trauma but can sometimes emerge years later. Acute stress disorder (ASD), not PTSD, occurs within 3 days to 1 month of a traumatic event. If distress began 1 to 2 weeks ago, ASD would be the more appropriate diagnosis.