A client is interested in trying non-pharmacological treatments for their somatic symptom illness. The nurse explains that one of these interventions involves using electronic devices to monitor and provide feedback on physiological functions like heart rate and muscle tension. What is this technique called?

Choice A rationale:

"Factitious disorder.". Choice A is not the correct answer for this question. Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or feigning physical or psychological symptoms in oneself to assume the sick role, but it's not primarily characterized by excessive responses to the symptoms. It is more about assuming the role of a patient for psychological reasons.

Choice B rationale:

"Somatic symptom disorder.". Choice B is the correct answer. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by distressing physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. The individual's response to these symptoms is excessive, and they often become preoccupied with their health concerns. This condition differs from factitious disorder in that the symptoms are not intentionally produced for attention; they are genuinely experienced, but the distress and preoccupation become the central issue.

Choice C rationale:

"Conversion disorder.". Choice C is not the correct answer. Conversion disorder involves experiencing neurological-like symptoms, such as paralysis or blindness, that cannot be attributed to a medical condition. The symptoms often arise due to psychological stressors and are not intentionally produced or exaggerated for attention.

Choice D rationale:

"Illness anxiety disorder.". Choice D is not the correct answer. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence of such an illness. The focus is on the fear of having a disease, rather than the distressing physical symptoms described in the question.

Choice A rationale:

Hypnosis involves inducing a trance-like state to enhance focus and concentration, but it does not involve inserting needles into the body. It is often used for relaxation, pain management, and behavioral changes.

Choice B rationale:

Acupuncture is a non-pharmacological intervention that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, according to traditional Chinese medicine. This technique is believed to help rebalance the body's energy pathways and can be used to address various physical and psychological conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Biofeedback involves teaching individuals to control physiological processes such as heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. It provides real-time information about these processes, allowing individuals to learn how to regulate them. However, it does not involve the insertion of needles into the body.

Choice D rationale:

Physical therapy focuses on improving physical function and mobility through exercises and techniques. It does not involve the use of needles or energy flow stimulation, making it less relevant to somatic symptom illness treatment compared to acupuncture.