A person's gas pedal became stuck on a busy interstate highway, causing the car to accelerate rapidly. For 20 minutes, the car was very difficult to control. Months after this traumatic experience, which assessment finding would the nurse most likely expect?

Choice A reason: Weight gain is not a typical direct symptom of trauma-related disorders such as PTSD. While changes in appetite and weight can occur in depression or anxiety, they are not hallmark signs of post-traumatic stress. Choice B reason: Flashbacks are a core symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They involve reliving the traumatic event through intrusive memories, often triggered by reminders of the trauma. This is especially common after life-threatening or uncontrollable experiences like a high-speed car incident. Choice C reason: Headaches may occur due to stress or anxiety, but they are nonspecific and not diagnostic of trauma-related disorders. They lack the psychological re-experiencing component that flashbacks provide. Choice D reason: Increased appetite may be seen in some mood disorders but is not a primary or expected finding in trauma-related assessments. It does not reflect the psychological impact of the event.