A nurse is assessing a client who has post-traumatic stress disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply)

Choice A reason: Blaming others is associated with personality disorders, not PTSD. PTSD involves hyperarousal and trauma-related symptoms, not externalization of responsibility. This behavior does not align with the neurobiological changes, like amygdala hyperactivity, seen in PTSD’s trauma response. Choice B reason: Difficulty concentrating is a hallmark of PTSD, driven by hyperarousal and intrusive thoughts. Trauma disrupts prefrontal cortex function, impairing attention and executive function, making it difficult to focus on tasks, a common symptom in PTSD’s cognitive cluster. Choice C reason: Sleep difficulties are a core PTSD symptom, resulting from hyperarousal and amygdala dysregulation. Nightmares or hypervigilance disrupt sleep onset and maintenance, contributing to fatigue and worsening other symptoms, making this an expected finding in PTSD assessment. Choice D reason: Persistent negative beliefs about self, like guilt or shame, are common in PTSD due to trauma-related cognitive distortions. These beliefs stem from altered self-perception and limbic system changes, contributing to the disorder’s emotional and cognitive impact, making this an expected finding. Choice E reason: Excessive talking is not typical in PTSD but may occur in mania or anxiety disorders. PTSD clients may exhibit social withdrawal or selective mutism due to trauma-related avoidance, making this behavior inconsistent with the disorder’s psychological and neurological profile.