A client presents with symptoms consistent with factitious disorder. Which of the following hypotheses should the nurse prioritize in the care of this client? (Select all that apply)
The client is seeking sympathy and pity from healthcare providers by feigning illness or injury.
The client is seeking attention and validation through inducing injury or illness.
The client's symptoms are the result of a misdiagnosis or medical error.
The client is seeking financial gain through feigning illness or injury.
The client is experiencing physical symptoms related to an underlying medical condition.
Correct Answer : A,B
Choice A reason:
This hypothesis aligns with the typical motivations seen in factitious disorder, where individuals intentionally produce or exaggerate symptoms of illness in themselves to receive attention, sympathy, and care from medical personnel¹. The nurse should prioritize understanding this behavior to manage the client's care effectively and to avoid unnecessary medical interventions.
Choice B reason:
Similar to choice A, individuals with factitious disorder may induce injury or illness to fulfill a psychological need for attention and validation. Recognizing this motivation is crucial for the nurse to provide appropriate psychological support and to prevent further self-harm.
Choice C reason:
While misdiagnosis or medical error can occur, this is not typically a hypothesis that should be prioritized in the care of a client with factitious disorder. The disorder involves intentional actions by the client, not errors by healthcare providers.
Choice D reason:
Seeking financial gain is more characteristic of malingering than factitious disorder. In factitious disorder, the primary motivation is psychological gratification from playing the patient role, rather than external incentives like financial gain.
Choice E reason:
Factitious disorder involves the intentional production of symptoms without an underlying medical condition. Therefore, this hypothesis would not be a priority in the care of a client with factitious disorder, as the symptoms are not related to a genuine medical condition but are self-induced.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Asking the client if they really think their family would be better off without them could potentially validate the client's feelings of worthlessness and is not a priority when immediate safety concerns are present.
Choice B reason:
While it's important to understand the client's current situation, this open-ended question may not directly address the risk of harm the client might pose to themselves. It should follow after ensuring the client's safety.
Choice C reason:
Inquiring about the onset of these feelings is part of a thorough assessment but is not the most immediate concern when a client expresses thoughts that may indicate a risk of self-harm.
Choice D reason:
This direct question addresses the immediate safety concern and is the priority response when a client indicates they may be a danger to themselves. It is essential to assess for suicidal ideation directly to take appropriate steps to ensure the client's safety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Referring the client to a mental health care provider is an important step, but it may not be the immediate priority. The referral process can be initiated once the client's immediate safety and acute needs are addressed.
Choice B reason:
Determining the presence and degree of suicidal risk is the priority nursing intervention. Clients with depressive disorders, especially those experiencing significant life stressors such as job loss and undergoing alcohol withdrawal, are at a higher risk for suicide. It is crucial to assess their risk and take appropriate measures to ensure their safety.
Choice C reason:
Identifying support groups is a valuable part of long-term treatment and recovery, but it is not the immediate priority. Support groups can provide ongoing assistance and a sense of community once the client is stable and ready to engage in long-term recovery.
Choice D reason:
Assisting the client to identify the negative effects of chemical dependency is an important aspect of treatment, but it is not the immediate priority. This intervention is part of the client's long-term recovery and education process.
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