Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

Experiencing denial or disbelief is a common psychological response to trauma among patients because it often serves as a defense mechanism. When individuals encounter traumatic events, they may struggle to process the overwhelming emotions associated with their experiences. Denial allows them to temporarily shield themselves from the full impact of the trauma, as the mind can find it challenging to reconcile the reality of the event with their previous understanding of the world.

This response can manifest in various ways, such as minimizing the severity of the event or refusing to accept that it occurred. The purpose of this reaction is to give the person more time to cognitively and emotionally process what has happened, ultimately paving the way for eventual acceptance and healing. Such responses are part of the body's natural coping strategies in the face of distressing or overwhelming situations often associated with trauma.

Other options, while they may appear reasonable, do not reflect the typical psychological responses to trauma. For instance, developing a sudden interest in hobbies or exhibiting excessive calmness might be more characteristic of positive coping mechanisms and could be seen in some individuals as a way to distract themselves or manifest resilience rather than as a direct response to trauma itself. Similarly, feeling an increased sense of control may occur in individuals who have processed their trauma sufficiently or have effective