The Importance Of Screening For Post Traumatic Stress...

The Importance of Screening for PTSD in Primary Care. Michael Valderueda Northern Illinois University Aggregate Needs Assessment Introduction to Problem Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a cluster of symptoms that some people experience when exposed to trauma, witness a threat or an injury or death (NIMH, 2014). The result of this exposure may result in individual having nightmares, irritability, depression, anxiety, flashback, difficulty sleeping, affecting social interaction with friends and families, and even suicide attempt (Quartana et al. 2014). Research also shows the strong correlation of chronic illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension due to exposure to multiple toxins and chemicals, and substance†¦show more content†¦2014). Another reason is that military personnel perceive mental health treatment as a sign of weakness (Hoge, Castro, Stephen, 2004). The Veterans Affairs (2013) eligibility allows returning Combat Veterans after discharge after for 5 years of free medical care. However, because of the new Affordable Care Act, and other eligibility issues, new veterans prefer to enroll in private insurance and prefer to visit a private healthcare provider instead (Haley Kenney, 2013). This would indicate that healthcare providers, particularly nurses working in primary care settings, must be aware to assess for military status and conscientiously screen for PTSD and the possible health risks associated with the disorder. But because nurses do not generally screen patients for PTSD during health assessment in primary care, the part of this psychological need may be unnoticed, and the necessity to promote early treatment may be missed. Therefore, the need to educate nurses to appropriately screen for PTSD during health assessment is an important addition during patient intake. The psychological need of a patient is just as important as the physical and physiological evaluation of the individual. The goal of PTSD prevention is early recognition by proper screening to provide the appropriate treatment (Rona et al., 2005; Institute of Medicine (U.S.) National Academies Press