Which is a common cognitive response to a traumatic event?

• A. Nausea, Lightheadedness, Dizziness, GI Problems
• B. Tachycardia, Tremors, Headaches, Grinding of Teeth
• C. Fatigue, Poor Sleep, Pain, Hyperarousal
• D. Poor Concentration, Confusion, Disorientation, Indecisiveness, Shortened Attention Span, Memory Loss, Unwanted Memories, Difficulty Making Decisions

Answer: (D)

Cognitive responses after a traumatic event involve changes in thinking, attention, memory, and decision-making. The best option lists poor concentration, confusion, disorientation, indecisiveness, shortened attention span, memory loss, unwanted memories, and difficulty making decisions—all classic cognitive effects that trauma can disrupt. These reflect how trauma can impair the way a person processes information, recalls events, and focuses on tasks.

Other options describe physical or arousal-related symptoms (like nausea, dizziness, tachycardia, tremors, sleep problems, pain, hyperarousal) rather than changes in thought processes. While those can accompany trauma, they’re not primarily cognitive.