What it means
The word has two uses. Physical trauma is injury from an outside force, such as a fall, crash, burn or gunshot. Psychological trauma is the lasting effect of a frightening or harmful event, such as abuse, violence, disaster or war; it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorderpohst-truh-MAT-ik STRES dis-OR-derA mental health condition that develops after a person lives through or sees a terrifying event.Full entry , anxietyang-ZY-uh-teeA feeling of worry, fear or unease about something that may happen, often with physical signs such as a racing heart.Full entry and depressiondih-PRESH-unA mood disorder of lasting sadness or loss of interest that affects thinking, sleep, appetite and daily life.Full entry . Trauma-informed care means caring for clients in a way that assumes past trauma and avoids causing more.
For the nurse
In trauma-informed care, explain each step before touching, offer choices, give privacy and respect a client's wish to stop. Ask about safety at home in private.
At a glance
| Spanish | trauma, traumatismo |
|---|---|
| Also written | traumas |
Related terms
post-traumatic stress disorder
A mental health condition that develops after a person lives through or sees a terrifying event.
fracture
A break or crack in a bone.
wound
A break or injury in the skin or the tissue under it.
distress
Serious physical or emotional suffering or strain.