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

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.

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.