A client diagnosed with somatization disorder visits multiple physicians because of various, vague symptoms involving many body systems. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

Risk for injury related to treatment from multiple physicians.

Anxiety related to unexplained multiple somatic symptoms.

Ineffective coping related to psychosocial distress.

Fear related to multiple physiological complaints.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Somatization disorder involves chronic, medically unexplained symptoms across multiple body systems. These symptoms are accompanied by health-seeking behavior, emotional distress, and frequent visits to multiple providers. The risk of harm increases when patients undergo unnecessary procedures, duplicate treatments, or conflicting medical advice. The priority is to prevent injury from excessive or inappropriate interventions while addressing psychological needs.

Rationale for correct answers

1. Multiple consultations and treatments increase the risk of iatrogenic harm, making injury prevention the primary concern in care planning.

Rationale for incorrect answers

2. Anxiety is present but secondary to the physical risks posed by fragmented care and excessive medical interventions.

3. Ineffective coping is relevant but does not pose an immediate safety threat, making it a lower priority.

4. Fear is part of the emotional profile but does not carry the same clinical urgency as injury risk.

Take Home Points

Risk for injury is the top priority in somatization disorder when multiple providers are involved.
Fragmented care increases the likelihood of unnecessary or harmful interventions.
Psychological diagnoses must be balanced with physical safety concerns.
Coordinated care and provider communication are essential to reduce harm.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Conversion disorderis a type of functional neurological symptom disorder characterized by motor or sensory deficits that are not explained by medical conditions. Symptoms arise unconsciously in response to psychological stress and often reflect symbolic resolution of internal conflict. Paralysis, blindness, or seizuresmay manifest without organic pathology. Management involves a multidisciplinary approach including psychotherapy and rehabilitation, with emphasis on restoring function while avoiding reinforcement of symptoms.

Rationale for correct answers

4.Physical therapyprovides a structured, goal-directed approach that supports functional recovery without reinforcing the sick role. It promotes independence and helps shift focus from symptoms to capability. Behavioral reinforcement of normal movement patterns is central to recovery.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1.Premature encouragementto walk may provoke anxiety or resistance, especially if the client is not yet psychologically ready. It risks invalidating the client’s experience and may worsen symptoms.

2.Invalidation of symptomsby stating “nothing is wrong” undermines therapeutic rapport. Conversion symptoms are real to the client, and dismissing them can increase distress and resistance to care.

3.Avoidance of symptomdiscussion may hinder therapeutic engagement. While excessive focus is discouraged, acknowledging symptoms within a supportive framework is essential for trust and progress.

Take Home Points

Conversion disorder presents with neurological symptoms without organic cause, often linked to psychological stress.
Physical therapy is a key intervention, using behavioral reinforcement to restore function.
Therapeutic communication must validate the client’s experience while guiding toward recovery.
Differentiation from malingering and factitious disorder is essential, as conversion symptoms are unconscious and not intentionally produced.

A. Are unconscious methods for getting attention. B. Will subside if the client is helped to focus on getting healthy. C. Are generally necessary for the client to cope with a stressful situation. D. Will usually resolve when the client learns to cope with ongoing family conflicts.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Conversion disorderpresents with pseudoneurologic symptoms such as paralysis or blindness that are not explained by medical conditions. These symptoms are unconscious, functional, and often emerge inresponse to psychological stress. They serve as a coping mechanism for internal conflict and are not under voluntary control.

Rationale for correct answers

3.Symptoms are necessaryfor psychological adaptation. They allow the client to unconsciously avoid confronting distressing emotions or situations.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1.Attention seeking implies conscious symptom production, which is not the case in conversion disorder.

2.Healthy focus may aid recovery, but symptoms do not resolve solely through behavioral redirection.

4.Conflicts may contribute, but resolution of family issues alone does not guarantee symptom disappearance.

Take Home Points

Conversion symptoms are unconscious and serve a psychological function.
They are not intentionally produced and differ from malingering or factitious disorder.
Emotional stressors often precede symptom onset.
Treatment involves psychotherapy and stress management, not confrontation.

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A client diagnosed with somatization disorder visits multiple physicians because of various, vague symptoms involving many body systems. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of conversion disorder with paralysis of the lower extremities. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse considers that in a conversion disorder pseudoneurologic symptoms such as paralysis or blindness:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client diagnosed with somatization disorder visits multiple physicians because of various, vague symptoms involving many body systems. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

The nurse understands that secondary gain for the client with a somatic symptom illness can include: Select all that apply.

A client is suspected to be experiencing a conversion disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply.

The nurse is teaching a client diagnosed with somatization disorder ways to assist in recognizing links between anxiety and somatic symptoms. Which client statement would indicate that the intervention was effective?

A suitable outcome criterion for the nursing diagnosis Ineffective coping related to dependence on pain relievers to treat chronic pain of psychological origin is:

You are caring for Aaron, a 38-year-old patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. When interacting with you, Aaron continues to focus on his severe headaches. In planning care for Aaron, which of the following interventions would be appropriate?

The information that is least relevant when assessing a patient with a suspected somatization disorder is:

An anxious client reports experiencing pain in the abdomen and feeling empty and hollow. A diagnostic workup reveals no physical causes of these clinical findings. What term best reflects what the client is experiencing?