A 17-year-old girl is referred to the PMHNP after pulling her eyebrow hair out to the point of scarring. She says she has a "unibrow" and looks like a "Neanderthal" unless she pulls out the hair. The PMHNP asks to see a photo of the patient before she started pulling out her hair; it was not unusual. What is the most appropriate diagnosis?
Body dysmorphic disorder
Delusional disorder, somatic type
Trichotillomania
Normal age-appropriate concerns
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This is correct. The patient exhibits preoccupation with a perceived defect in her appearance that is not noticeable to others, accompanied by repetitive behaviors (hair-pulling) to correct the perceived flaw, consistent with body dysmorphic disorder.
Choice B reason: Delusional disorder, somatic type involves fixed false beliefs about bodily functions or appearance. In this case, the belief is not delusional; the patient’s concern is excessive but recognized as distressing, fitting body dysmorphic disorder.
Choice C reason: Trichotillomania involves hair-pulling without associated preoccupation with appearance. Here, the hair-pulling is directly related to perceived appearance defects.
Choice D reason: Age-appropriate concerns would not include severe distress or scarring from repetitive hair-pulling.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is true; BCC typically presents as pearly papules with visible blood vessels or ulceration.
Choice B reason: This is true; BCC develops primarily on sun-exposed skin, rarely affecting mucous membranes or extremities.
Choice C reason: This is true; BCC is the most common form of skin cancer and cancer overall in humans.
Choice D reason: This is false; BCC is usually slow-growing and rarely metastasizes. Rapid growth and frequent metastasis are atypical, making this the incorrect statement.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Generalized anxiety disorder involves chronic excessive worry, not compulsive hair-pulling behaviors.
Choice B reason: This is correct. Trichotillomania is characterized by repetitive hair-pulling leading to noticeable hair loss, often in response to stress or boredom. The patient’s pattern aligns with DSM-5 criteria for this disorder.
Choice C reason: Body dysmorphic disorder involves preoccupation with perceived physical defects, which is not indicated here.
Choice D reason: Delusional disorder, somatic type, involves false beliefs about bodily functions or appearance, which the patient does not demonstrate.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
