A nurse is providing care to a client who has acute stress disorder. Which of the following client statements is consistent with this disorder?

Choice A reason: This statement describes dissociation triggered by childhood trauma, but it reflects a chronic condition more consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) rather than acute stress disorder. Acute stress disorder develops shortly after a traumatic event and is time-limited, whereas this statement suggests long-standing trauma responses. Choice B reason: This statement describes avoidance behavior that has persisted for 2 years following a traumatic event. Such long-term symptoms are characteristic of PTSD, not acute stress disorder. Acute stress disorder occurs within 3 days to 4 weeks after trauma, so this timeline does not fit. Choice C reason: Frequent flashbacks related to childhood abuse represent PTSD symptoms. The chronic nature of the flashbacks indicates a long-term disorder rather than the short-term presentation of acute stress disorder. Choice D reason: This statement is consistent with acute stress disorder because it describes symptoms (nightmares) occurring within weeks of a traumatic event (car crash 2 weeks ago). Acute stress disorder is diagnosed when symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, dissociation, avoidance, or hyperarousal occur within 3 days to 4 weeks after trauma. This fits the diagnostic criteria and timeline for acute stress disorder.