How should a nurse respond to a client who has witnessed a traumatic event and expresses distressing memories?

Supporting the client in discussing the traumatic event and their feelings is an essential part of trauma-informed care. It acknowledges the client's experiences and validates their emotions, which can help them process the trauma. Openly discussing the event allows the client to express their distress, which can be cathartic and enable them to begin to work through their feelings in a safe environment.

This approach encourages the client to articulate their thoughts and emotions rather than suppress them, promoting healing and understanding. It fosters a trusting therapeutic relationship, allowing the nurse to provide support while the client navigates their feelings. Engaging in conversation about the traumatic event can also help the client gain insight into their reactions and develop coping strategies.

In contrast, redirecting the client to think about positive experiences might invalidate their feelings or suggest that they should not be upset, which can lead to further distress. Suggesting immediate relaxation techniques could be beneficial in the long term but may not directly address the need for emotional processing right after a traumatic event. Advising the client to forget the incident and move on can be harmful, as it may dismiss the significance of their experience and discourage them from seeking the necessary support to heal.