A client fearful of an upcoming deployment to Iraq develops a paralytic conversion disorder. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

Impaired skin integrity related to muscle wasting.

Body image disturbance related to immobility.

Anxiety related to fears about a combat injury.

Activity intolerance related to paralysis.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Conversion disorder can be triggered by acute psychological stress, such as fear of combat. The priority nursing diagnosis addresses the underlying anxiety, which precipitates the physical symptoms. Addressing emotional distress is essential for symptom resolution.

Rationale for correct answer

3. The client’s anxiety about deployment is the psychological stressor that led to the conversion symptoms. Addressing this root cause is essential for recovery.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1. Integrity is not compromised in conversion disorder. Paralysis is functional, not due to tissue breakdown or immobility-related damage.

2. Image disturbance may occur, but it is not the priority. Emotional distress precedes and drives the physical symptoms.

4. Intolerance is a physical limitation, but it stems from psychological origin. Addressing anxiety takes precedence over managing mobility.

Take Home Points

Psychological stressors are the primary cause of conversion disorder symptoms.
Anxiety-related diagnoses take priority over physical manifestations.
Functional paralysis does not result in tissue damage or muscle wasting.
Emotional support and stress management are central to nursing care.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Conversion disordersymptoms such as paralysis often resolve spontaneously but may recur under stress. The disorder is episodic, stress-sensitive, and typically involves motor or sensory deficits. Clients may regain function but are vulnerable to relapse during emotional distress.

Rationale for correct answers

3.Symptom recurrenceunder stress is characteristic. The brain converts emotional conflict into physical symptoms, which may reappear with future stressors.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1.Spread of paralysis is not typical. Symptoms usually remain localized and consistent with the initial presentation.

2.Continuous psychiatric care is not always required. Many clients recover with short-term therapy and support.

4.Emotional course may vary, but symptom recurrence is more predictable than general emotional instability.

Take Home Points

Conversion disorder symptoms may resolve but recur with stress.
Motor and sensory deficits are functional, not due to organic pathology.
Long-term psychiatric care is not always necessary.
Relapse prevention focuses on stress management and emotional insight.

A. Call for a family meeting with Aaron in attendance to confront Aaron regarding his diagnosis. B. Educate Aaron on alternative therapies to deal with pain. C. Improve reality testing by telling Aaron that you do not believe that the headaches are real. D. Shift focus from Aaron’s somatic concerns to feelings and effective coping skills.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Somatic symptom disorderinvolves persistent physical complaints that are distressing and often medically unexplained. These symptoms are accompanied by emotional dysregulation, maladaptive coping, and preoccupationwith bodily sensations. Nursing care should redirect focus from symptoms to emotional processing and coping strategies. Therapeutic communication must validate the experience while guiding the patient toward insight and behavioral change.

Rationale for correct answers

4.Shifting focus to feelings and coping promotes emotional insightand reduces symptom fixation, supporting therapeutic goals and functional recovery.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1.Confrontation in a family meeting may provoke defensiveness, damage trust, and worsen emotional distress.

2.Educating on alternative therapies is helpful but does not address emotional processing, which is central to care planning.

3.Denying the reality of symptoms undermines validation, increasing resistance and emotional withdrawal.

Take Home Points

Redirecting focus from symptoms to emotional coping is essential in somatic symptom disorder.
Confrontation and invalidation hinder therapeutic rapport and worsen distress.
Education alone is insufficient without emotional engagement and behavioral strategies.
Nursing care must balance empathy with structured redirection to promote recovery.

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A client fearful of an upcoming deployment to Iraq develops a paralytic conversion disorder. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client newly diagnosed with a conversion disorder is manifesting paralysis of a leg. The nurse can expect this client to:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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

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

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?

Which statement describes the etiology of somatization disorder from a learning theory perspective?

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

A client diagnosed with a conversion disorder has a nursing diagnosis of disturbed sensory perception related to anxiety as evidenced by paralysis. Which short-term outcome would be appropriate for this client?