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?
Provide excessive attention to the client's physical complaints.
Withhold praise for the client's achievements.
Acknowledge and praise the client for their improvement.
Encourage the client to focus solely on their illness behavior.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Providing excessive attention to the client's physical complaints is not conducive to the client's progress. While it's important to address the client's concerns, excessive focus on physical complaints can reinforce illness behavior and hinder the development of healthier coping mechanisms.
Choice B rationale:
Withholding praise for the client's achievements is not supportive of the client's progress. Positive reinforcement is essential for motivating and reinforcing adaptive behaviors. By acknowledging the client's achievements, the nurse can boost their self-esteem and encourage continued improvement.
Choice C rationale:
Acknowledging and praising the client for their improvement is a beneficial approach. Positive reinforcement enhances the client's sense of accomplishment and encourages them to continue engaging in positive behaviors. This approach fosters a therapeutic relationship and supports the client's journey towards better health.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging the client to focus solely on their illness behavior is counterproductive. Overemphasis on illness behavior can perpetuate the symptoms and prevent the client from developing a broader sense of identity and well-being.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to focus solely on physical symptoms neglects the emotional aspect of somatic symptom illness. A comprehensive approach involves addressing both the physical symptoms and the underlying emotions.
Choice B rationale:
Advising the client to ignore their emotional experiences dismisses an essential component of their condition. Ignoring emotions can lead to emotional distress and exacerbate the somatic symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting that the client suppress their emotions would not be beneficial. Emotional suppression can contribute to increased psychological distress and hinder the client's progress toward better emotional well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting the client to identify and use healthy coping strategies is a sound intervention. Coping strategies can help the client manage both physical symptoms and emotional distress in adaptive ways, improving their overall quality of life.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Complete elimination of all physical symptoms - This choice might not be a realistic and achievable goal for clients with somatic symptom illnesses. These conditions often involve complex factors and underlying psychological issues that might not allow for the complete elimination of physical symptoms. Furthermore, the mind-body connection in these cases can make it challenging to solely focus on the physical aspect.
Choice B rationale:
Reduction in the frequency and intensity of physical symptoms - This is a realistic and measurable goal for clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Many of these illnesses involve somatization, where emotional distress is manifested as physical symptoms. By working towards reducing the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, clients can experience improved quality of life and functioning.
Choice C rationale:
Improvement in mood and self-esteem - This is a valid goal for clients with somatic symptom illnesses. These conditions often coexist with mood disorders and low self-esteem. Addressing these psychological aspects can lead to better overall well-being and a reduction in the somatic symptoms. Additionally, improved mood and self-esteem can contribute to a client's ability to cope effectively with their symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Ability to manage stress and cope with symptoms effectively - This is an essential goal for clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Stress can exacerbate physical symptoms and create a cycle of distress. Teaching clients effective stress management and coping strategies can empower them to handle their symptoms in a healthier way, which can ultimately lead to an improvement in their overall condition.
Choice E rationale:
Developing a dislike for medical appointments - This is not a realistic or relevant goal for the treatment of somatic symptom illnesses. Medical appointments are necessary for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. Encouraging a dislike for medical appointments could hinder the client's progress and adherence to treatment.
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