PTSD Quiz: Can You Recognize The Triggers?

1. Which therapeutic approach is evidence-based for PTSD & Trauma treatment?

Prolonged exposure therapy

Distraction-based techniques only

Avoidance reinforcement

Medication without therapy

2. A client with PTSD reports that their symptoms worsen during the anniversary of the trauma. This exemplifies:

Temporal triggers related to trauma reminders

Seasonal affective disorder

Normal grief progression

Medication non-compliance

3. Which factor increases vulnerability to developing PTSD after trauma exposure?

Previous trauma history and lack of social support

High intelligence only

Employment status

Age above 50

4. Dissociation during trauma recall in PTSD clients indicates:

A maladaptive coping response to overwhelming memories

Improvement in symptoms

Schizophrenia

Normal processing of trauma

5. A nurse assesses a client for PTSD. Which assessment tool is commonly used?

PTSD Checklist (PCL)

Random questioning

Physical examination only

Blood tests

6. What is the relationship between acute stress disorder and PTSD?

They are identical conditions

ASD occurs 3-30 days post-trauma; PTSD persists beyond 1 month

ASD only affects children

PTSD always develops from ASD

7. Environmental triggers for PTSD & Trauma may include:

Specific locations, times of day, or weather conditions

Only the exact location of the trauma

Random unrelated stimuli

Positive life events

8. A client with PTSD reports feeling emotionally numb. This symptom falls under which cluster?

Intrusive symptoms

Avoidance symptoms

Negative alterations in mood and cognition

Arousal and reactivity symptoms

9. Which of these is NOT a recognized trauma type that can lead to PTSD?

Combat exposure

Sexual assault

Witnessing a minor car accident with no injuries

Life-threatening illness

10. Negative cognitions in PTSD often include beliefs such as:

The world is completely safe

I am responsible for the trauma and the world is dangerous

Recovery is impossible

Others are always trustworthy

11. Which of the following is a core diagnostic criterion for PTSD according to the DSM-5?

Anxiety lasting at least 2 weeks

Intrusive symptoms related to the traumatic event

Social withdrawal for 1 month

Depressed mood without trauma history

12. A client experiences a panic attack when hearing fireworks similar to trauma sounds. This demonstrates:

Classical conditioning to a trigger

Generalized anxiety disorder

Normal fear response

Adjustment disorder

13. What minimum duration of symptoms is required for a PTSD diagnosis?

1 week

2 weeks

1 month

3 months

14. Which neurotransmitter is typically dysregulated in PTSD?

Acetylcholine

Serotonin

Insulin

Oxytocin

15. A client with PTSD avoids driving on highways. This behavior represents:

A coping mechanism for avoidance symptoms

Normal anxiety management

A sign of depression

Lack of interest in activities

16. What is hyperarousal in the context of PTSD?

Excessive happiness and euphoria

Heightened startle response and constant vigilance

Loss of interest in hobbies

Difficulty concentrating on work

17. Which of the following is an example of an internal trigger?

A loud noise similar to the trauma sound

A physical sensation that resembles the trauma

A person who resembles the perpetrator

The location where trauma occurred

18. A trigger in PTSD is best defined as:

A reminder that activates trauma memories and reactions

The original traumatic event itself

A psychiatric medication side effect

A symptom of depression

19. Which trauma response involves emotional numbing and detachment from activities?

Intrusion

Hypervigilance

Avoidance and negative mood changes

Acute stress response

20. A client experiences nightmares and flashbacks after a car accident. What symptom cluster does this represent?