A client is suspected of having posttraumatic stress disorder. Which problem is the most important for the nurse to assess?

  1. panic attacks
  2. anorexia
  3. suicide
  4. short-term memory loss
Number 3 is correct.
Rationale: Suicide and other violent behaviors are high risk for clients who experience posttraumatic stress disorder and pose the most significant of the problems listed. While panic attacks and short-term memory loss may occur with posttraumatic stress disorder, suicide is the most important problem. Anorexia is not seen in clients with posttraumatic stress disorder, though anorexia nervosa may present as a co-occurring disorder.