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?

Choice A rationale:

Conversion disorder. Conversion disorder involves the presence of neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, blindness, or seizures, that cannot be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms typically reflect an unconscious psychological conflict or need. The nurse should be familiar with this disorder as it falls within the category of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice B rationale:

Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder. Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder is not a specific recognized disorder. This choice does not accurately describe a type of somatic symptom illness.

Choice C rationale:

Illness anxiety disorder. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence. Individuals with this disorder often misinterpret bodily sensations as signs of a severe illness. The focus is on the fear of having an illness rather than intentional symptom production.

Choice D rationale:

Chronic medical condition disorder. Chronic medical condition disorder is not a recognized disorder within the somatic symptom illness category. This choice is not accurate in describing a type of somatic symptom illness.

Choice E rationale:

Somatic symptom disorder. Somatic symptom disorder involves distressing and disruptive physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. The key characteristic is the disproportionate and excessive focus on the symptoms themselves, leading to impaired functioning. This disorder can include intentional symptom production but is not solely defined by it.

Choice A rationale:

Hypnosis (Choice A) is a relaxation technique that involves inducing a trance-like state of heightened focus and suggestibility. It does not involve electronic devices for monitoring physiological functions.

Choice B rationale:

Acupuncture (Choice B) is a traditional Chinese medicine practice involving needle insertion at specific points on the body. It is not related to using electronic devices for physiological monitoring.

Choice C rationale:

Psychotherapy (Choice C) encompasses various talk therapies used to address mental health issues. It does not specifically involve electronic devices for physiological feedback.

Choice D rationale:

Biofeedback involves using electronic devices to monitor physiological functions like heart rate, muscle tension, and skin conductance. Individuals receive real-time feedback and learn to control these functions through relaxation techniques. It is an effective approach for managing conditions like anxiety, headaches, and high blood pressure.