Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

When assessing a refugee from Darfur, which condition would a nurse expect to find?

1. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

2. Malnutrition

3. Tuberculosis

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder

The correct answer is: Post-traumatic stress disorder

When assessing a refugee from Darfur, a nurse would expect to find post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a prevalent condition due to the significant trauma experienced during the conflict in that region. The history of violence, displacement, and loss that many refugees from Darfur endure makes them particularly vulnerable to mental health issues, including PTSD. The symptoms associated with PTSD, such as re-experiencing traumatic events, heightened anxiety, and emotional numbing, are common among individuals who have faced such severe adversities. While conditions like malnutrition could be prevalent among refugees due to limited access to food and resources, the immediate psychosocial impact of trauma from war, including PTSD, is often more pronounced and requires urgent attention in assessments. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and tuberculosis are less common as initial findings without additional context such as smoking history or signs of respiratory illnesses that may not be as prevalent in this specific refugee population compared to the psychological impact of their experiences. Therefore, the expectation of PTSD in this context reflects the significant psychological and emotional toll of the traumatic experiences faced by refugees from conflict zones like Darfur.