An inmate was diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by severe sexual abuse. One day this inmate sees a person with characteristics similar to the perpetrator, has a flashback, and then attacks the person

Question

Correctional officers place the inmate in restraint. The correctional nurse should anticipate that the inmate would react to restraint by:

a. committing to counseling to reduce the incidence of flashbacks.
b. becoming less likely to assault others during future flashbacks.
c. gradually calming and returning from the flashback to reality.
d. becoming more frightened, agitated, and combative.

Answer 1

ANS: D
The correctional nurse recognizes that events occurring in the present reality are likely to be incorporated into a flashback, leading the inmate to become more frightened and desperate to escape. Even if no longer experiencing a flashback, persons will likely reexperience their original trauma if restrained, including the emotions experienced during that trauma, leading to increased fearfulness and resistance to the jail restraints. Restraints are not likely to calm the individual or reduce aggressiveness but instead increase the sense of helplessness and desperation.