A client with a somatic symptom illness is receiving care. What is an essential aspect of the nurse-client relationship in this situation?

Avoiding any discussion of the client's physical symptoms.

Establishing trust and rapport with the client.

Dismissing the client's emotional experiences.

Using sarcasm to help the client confront their behavior.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Avoiding any discussion of the client's physical symptoms would be counterproductive in building a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Ignoring the client's concerns might lead to feelings of neglect and hinder the development of trust and rapport.

Choice B rationale:

Establishing trust and rapport is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, particularly when dealing with clients with somatic symptom illness. These clients often experience distressing physical symptoms that have psychological roots. By creating a safe and supportive environment, the nurse can encourage the client to share their experiences, emotions, and concerns openly. This helps the nurse understand the client's condition better and collaborate on an effective care plan.

Choice C rationale:

Dismissing the client's emotional experiences would be detrimental to their well-being. Clients with somatic symptom illness often have genuine distress related to their physical symptoms. Addressing their emotional experiences validates their feelings and aids in uncovering the underlying psychological factors contributing to their symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Using sarcasm to help the client confront their behavior is inappropriate and unprofessional. Sarcasm can damage the therapeutic relationship, making the client feel ridiculed and unheard. Respectful and empathetic communication is crucial in nursing care, especially when dealing with individuals who are experiencing distress.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Medication-based therapy - While medications can be a part of the treatment plan for somatic symptom illnesses to manage specific symptoms like anxiety or depression, they primarily address physiological symptoms and may not directly target underlying emotional factors. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Choice B rationale:

Surgical intervention - Surgical procedures are typically not the primary approach for managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are characterized by physical symptoms that are influenced by emotional factors, and surgical intervention does not address the underlying emotional aspects.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy - This is a commonly used therapeutic approach for somatic symptom illnesses. It focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying emotional factors that contribute to the physical symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals recognize and change dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors that exacerbate their symptoms. By promoting healthier coping mechanisms and emotional processing, it can effectively manage both the psychological and physiological aspects of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice D rationale:

Physical therapy - Physical therapy primarily deals with musculoskeletal and movement-related issues. While it can be beneficial for individuals with certain physical symptoms, it doesn't primarily target the emotional factors that underlie somatic symptom illnesses.

A. Psychodynamic therapy. B. Family therapy. C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy. D. Interpersonal therapy.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Psychodynamic therapy - Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences to understand and address current psychological issues. While it can be beneficial for various mental health concerns, it may not be the primary approach for challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice B rationale:

Family therapy - Family therapy involves addressing family dynamics and interactions to improve overall family functioning. While family support is important, family therapy might not be the primary approach to directly address the negative thoughts and beliefs contributing to somatic symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - This is the correct answer. CBT is well-known for its effectiveness in treating somatic symptom illnesses. It targets negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to physical symptoms. By challenging these thoughts and promoting healthier beliefs, clients can experience a reduction in somatic symptoms and improved overall functioning.

Choice D rationale:

Interpersonal therapy - Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication. While these skills are valuable, this type of therapy might not be the primary choice for directly addressing the cognitive aspect of somatic symptom illnesses.

Disorder	Definition	Symptoms	Causes	Treatment
Somatic symptom disorder	A condition in which a person has physical symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment, but are not fully explained by a medical condition.	Pain, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, etc. The person may also have excessive worry, anxiety, or depression about the symptoms.	The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. Stress and trauma may trigger or worsen the symptoms.	Psychotherapy, medication, and self-care strategies to cope with the symptoms and reduce stress.
Factitious disorder	A condition in which a person deliberately produces, feigns, or exaggerates symptoms of an illness or injury, without a clear motive or benefit.	The person may have various symptoms that mimic a medical condition, such as fever, bleeding, seizures, etc. The person may also tamper with tests, injure themselves, or take substances to induce symptoms.	The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to psychological factors such as low self-esteem, childhood abuse or neglect, personality disorders, or emotional trauma. The person may seek attention, care, or sympathy from others.	Psychotherapy, medication, and family or group therapy to address the underlying issues and improve self-esteem and coping skills.
Conversion disorder	A condition in which a person has neurological symptoms that are not explained by a neurological disease or another medical condition.	The person may have weakness, paralysis, tremors, seizures, numbness, vision or hearing problems, speech difficulties, etc. The symptoms may vary in severity and duration.	The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to how the brain functions rather than its structure. The condition may be triggered by a neurological disorder or by stress or psychological trauma.	Psychotherapy, medication, physical therapy, and hypnosis to relieve the symptoms and manage the stress or trauma.
Illness anxiety disorder	A condition in which a person has excessive fear or worry that they have or will develop a serious illness, despite having few or no symptoms.	The person may have mild or normal body sensations that they interpret as signs of a serious disease. The person may also seek frequent medical reassurance or avoid medical care for fear of being diagnosed. The person may also search the internet for information about diseases or symptoms.	The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Anxiety disorders, depression, childhood illness or abuse, or stressful life events may increase the risk.	Psychotherapy, medication, and self-help strategies to challenge the negative thoughts and reduce anxiety.

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A client with a somatic symptom illness is receiving care. What is an essential aspect of the nurse-client relationship in this situation?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing treatment approaches for somatic symptom illnesses. Which therapy is commonly used to address underlying emotional factors and manage symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is educating a client about the concept of psychotherapy as a treatment option for somatic symptom illnesses. Which type of psychotherapy focuses on challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is discussing non-pharmacological treatments for somatic symptom illnesses with a client. Which of the following interventions can be considered as relaxation techniques? Select all that apply.

A client with a somatic symptom illness states, "I always feel weak and fatigued, no matter what I do. I can't even walk properly." Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

A client with somatic symptom illness is interested in exploring treatment options beyond medication. Which non-pharmacological intervention involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow?

A nurse is planning care for a client with a somatic symptom illness. The client keeps a detailed journal of physical symptoms and associated emotions. Which statement is accurate regarding the nurse's intervention?

A nurse is assessing a client with a somatic symptom illness. Which of the following manifestations may be associated with this disorder?

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 client with a somatic symptom illness is receiving care. What is an essential aspect of the nurse-client relationship in this situation?

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?