Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Emergency Nursing Related

Review Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e (Hinkle 2017) - Emergency Nursing related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a patient who has been the victim of sexual assault. The nurse documents that the patient appears to be in a state of shock, verbalizing fear, guilt, and humiliation. What phase of rape trauma syndrome is this patient most likely experiencing?

  • A. Reorganization phase
  • B. Denial phase
  • C. Heightened anxiety phase
  • D. Acute disorganization phase
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The acute disorganization phase of rape trauma syndrome involves shock, fear, guilt, and humiliation. Denial, heightened anxiety, and reorganization occur in different stages.