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?

Encouraging the client to ignore their physical symptoms.

Explaining that the symptoms are purely psychological.

Assisting the client to express their emotions and thoughts.

Providing excessive attention and sympathy to the client.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to ignore their physical symptoms would not be an appropriate intervention. Somatic symptom illness involves genuine distress and discomfort, and disregarding the symptoms might lead to increased frustration and anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining that the symptoms are purely psychological oversimplifies the situation. While psychological factors do play a role in somatic symptom illness, the symptoms are not purely imaginary. Validating the client's experiences while addressing underlying emotional factors is a more comprehensive approach.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client to express their emotions and thoughts is a suitable intervention. Somatic symptom illness often arises from unaddressed emotional distress. By encouraging the client to discuss their feelings, the nurse provides a safe space for emotional expression and can help identify contributing factors.

Choice D rationale:

Providing excessive attention and sympathy to the client might inadvertently reinforce their focus on physical symptoms rather than addressing the underlying emotional issues. This approach could potentially contribute to the maintenance of somatic symptom illness.

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Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Problem-solving is an effective coping strategy for individuals with somatic symptom illness. Encouraging the client to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to their symptoms helps them gain a sense of control and reduces distress. By analyzing problems and generating possible solutions, the client can develop healthier ways to manage their symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

Denial of emotions is not a recommended coping strategy for somatic symptom illness. Denying emotions can lead to avoidance of underlying issues and exacerbate psychological distress. Encouraging clients to acknowledge and express their emotions is more beneficial for their overall well-being.

Choice C rationale:

Escaping from unpleasant situations is not a healthy coping strategy for somatic symptom illness. Avoidance of situations can reinforce avoidance behaviors and hinder the client's progress. It's important to promote facing challenges and developing adaptive coping mechanisms.

Choice D rationale:

Seeking social support is a valuable coping strategy for individuals with somatic symptom illness. Connecting with others and receiving empathy and understanding can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide the client with a support system. Social support encourages positive emotional expression and sharing of experiences.

Choice E rationale:

Repressing emotions is not a recommended coping strategy for somatic symptom illness. Repression can lead to increased stress and potentially worsen physical symptoms. Encouraging emotional awareness and expression is more beneficial for the client's psychological well-being.

A. The client's ability to perfectly articulate their emotions. B. A review of the client's social media posts for symptom updates. C. A thorough medical history to rule out organic causes. D. An exploration of the client's childhood hobbies and interests.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client's ability to perfectly articulate their emotions, while important, is not the primary focus of the assessment for somatic symptom illness. The emphasis is on identifying potential physical causes and addressing underlying emotional factors.

Choice B rationale:

Reviewing the client's social media posts for symptom updates might not yield reliable or comprehensive information regarding their condition. It's more appropriate to gather information through direct communication and medical assessment.

Choice C rationale:

A thorough medical history to rule out organic causes is a crucial aspect of the assessment process. It helps determine whether the client's symptoms are linked to any underlying medical conditions that require medical intervention.

Choice D rationale:

Exploring the client's childhood hobbies and interests may not directly contribute to the assessment of somatic symptom illness. While understanding the client's background is important, focusing on medical and psychological aspects is more relevant in this context.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is working with a client with a somatic symptom illness to identify healthy coping strategies. Which strategies should the nurse encourage the client to use? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","D"]

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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 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?

A client presents with symptoms of altered voluntary motor function that are incompatible with medical conditions. The client is distressed by these symptoms. Which statement is most likely to be said by the client?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assisting a client with a somatic symptom illness to establish a daily routine. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse encourage the client to adopt? Select all that apply.

A nurse is educating a client about the different treatment options for somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following medications is classified as an analgesic and can help relieve pain associated with somatic symptom illnesses?

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

A client experiences physical symptoms that are distressing and interfere with daily life. The client exhibits excessive responses to these symptoms and their health concerns. Which term describes this condition?