In determining the priority for nursing interventions for a client with PTSD, which action should be addressed first?

Assessing the client's physiological needs is essential as a priority intervention for a client with PTSD because physiological needs must be stabilized before addressing psychological and emotional concerns. Clients with PTSD may experience various physical symptoms, including anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, and other stress-related physical reactions.

By ensuring that physiological needs like nutrition, hydration, rest, and safety are met, the healthcare provider creates a foundation for the client’s recovery process. If a person is physically distressed or unwell, it can be exceedingly difficult for them to engage in therapeutic processes such as assessing psychological needs or developing coping mechanisms.

Once physiological stability is achieved, the healthcare team can better focus on psychological assessments and interventions, such as medication administration or assessing coping strategies, which are crucial parts of comprehensive PTSD care.