A client has persistent fear and belief of having a serious illness, despite having minimal or no symptoms. What is the primary motivation for this behavior?

Avoidance of distressing situations.

Intentional symptom production.

Seeking emotional relief.

Gaining attention and sympathy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Avoidance of distressing situations. This choice suggests that the primary motivation for the client's behavior is to avoid situations that cause distress. While this may be a factor in some cases of illness-related behaviors, it is not the primary motivation described in the scenario. The client's persistent fear and belief of having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms indicate a different underlying motivation.

Choice B rationale:

Intentional symptom production. This choice accurately captures the primary motivation for the client's behavior. Intentional symptom production refers to the deliberate creation or exaggeration of physical symptoms, often driven by psychological factors. In this case, the client's persistent fear and belief in having a serious illness point toward intentionally producing symptoms to validate their belief and seek attention or emotional relief.

Choice C rationale:

Seeking emotional relief. While seeking emotional relief may be a secondary motivation for some individuals with somatic symptom disorders, it is not the primary motivation described in the scenario. The client's behavior is primarily driven by the intentional production of symptoms and the associated beliefs, rather than a sole focus on emotional relief.

Choice D rationale:

Gaining attention and sympathy. While seeking attention and sympathy may be an outcome of the client's behavior, it is not the primary motivation. The client's behavior is rooted in their belief of having a serious illness, leading to intentional symptom production, rather than solely seeking attention or sympathy.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

"Conversion disorder.". Choice A is not the correct answer. Conversion disorder involves the development of physical symptoms, such as motor or sensory deficits, that suggest a neurological or medical condition but are actually caused by psychological factors. It does not involve intentional production or falsification of symptoms for attention.

Choice B rationale:

"Illness anxiety disorder.". Choice B is not the correct answer. Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness, even in the absence of medical evidence. It does not involve intentional fabrication of symptoms for attention.

Choice C rationale:

"Factitious disorder.". Choice C is the correct answer. Factitious disorder is characterized by intentionally producing or falsifying physical or psychological symptoms to assume the role of a sick person. The primary motivation is to receive attention, care, and sympathy from medical professionals or others. This behavior is driven by psychological factors rather than genuine medical need.

Choice D rationale:

"Somatic symptom disorder.". Choice D is not the correct answer. Somatic symptom disorder involves experiencing distressing physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. While the symptoms are real and genuinely felt, the central issue in somatic symptom disorder is the excessive response to these symptoms and the preoccupation with health concerns. It is not primarily about intentionally falsifying symptoms for attention.

A. The client's age and gender. B. The client's dietary preferences. C. The client's financial status. D. The client's preference for alternative medicine.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client's age and gender play a significant role in influencing the outcomes of managing somatic symptom illnesses. Different age groups may have varying levels of resilience, coping mechanisms, and communication skills to address their condition effectively. Gender can also affect the perception of symptoms and the way they are expressed, as well as cultural and societal factors that influence how individuals manage their health.

Choice B rationale:

The client's dietary preferences, while important for overall health, are not directly related to the management of somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are characterized by excessive focus on physical symptoms that may not have an organic cause. Dietary preferences are more relevant to nutritional status and general well-being.

Choice C rationale:

The client's financial status can impact their access to healthcare resources and treatment options, but it is not a factor that directly influences the outcomes of managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are primarily psychological in nature and involve the interpretation and management of physical sensations.

Choice D rationale:

The client's preference for alternative medicine may influence their treatment approach, but it is not a key factor that universally affects outcomes in managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are typically addressed through a combination of psychological interventions and, in some cases, medical management.

View Question and Answer

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

A client has persistent fear and belief of having a serious illness, despite having minimal or no symptoms. What is the primary motivation for this behavior?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is educating a group of students about somatic symptom illnesses. Which disorder is characterized by intentional production or falsification of symptoms to gain attention or care?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is discussing potential complications of somatic symptom illnesses with a client. Which of the following factors can influence the client's outcomes in managing their condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is explaining the potential outcomes of somatic symptom illnesses to a client. Which of the following statements accurately describes a possible outcome for a client with somatic symptom illness?

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is explaining different classes of antidepressant medications to a client. Which of the following are examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? Select all that apply.

A nurse is providing education to a client's family about somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following statements accurately conveys the nature of somatic symptom illnesses?

A client with a somatic symptom illness is experiencing improvements in their symptoms and daily functioning. What should the nurse do to support the client's progress?

A nurse is educating a client about the different treatment options for somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following medications is classified as an analgesic and can help relieve pain associated with somatic symptom illnesses?

A nurse is conducting an assessment of a client with suspected somatic symptom illness. Which aspect should the nurse consider as part of the assessment process?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is working with a client with a somatic symptom illness to identify healthy coping strategies. Which strategies should the nurse encourage the client to use? Select all that apply.

A nurse is providing care for several clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following clients is most likely to have illness anxiety disorder?