A nurse considers that in a conversion disorder pseudoneurologic symptoms such as paralysis or blindness:

Are unconscious methods for getting attention.

Will subside if the client is helped to focus on getting healthy.

Are generally necessary for the client to cope with a stressful situation.

Will usually resolve when the client learns to cope with ongoing family conflicts.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Conversion disorder presents with pseudoneurologic symptoms such as paralysis or blindness that are not explained by medical conditions. These symptoms are unconscious, functional, and often emerge in response to psychological stress. They serve as a coping mechanism for internal conflict and are not under voluntary control.

Rationale for correct answers

3. Symptoms are necessary for psychological adaptation. They allow the client to unconsciously avoid confronting distressing emotions or situations.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1. Attention seeking implies conscious symptom production, which is not the case in conversion disorder.

2. Healthy focus may aid recovery, but symptoms do not resolve solely through behavioral redirection.

4. Conflicts may contribute, but resolution of family issues alone does not guarantee symptom disappearance.

Take Home Points

Conversion symptoms are unconscious and serve a psychological function.
They are not intentionally produced and differ from malingering or factitious disorder.
Emotional stressors often precede symptom onset.
Treatment involves psychotherapy and stress management, not confrontation.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Conversion disorderis a psychiatric condition where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms without an organic cause. It often presents with motor deficits, sensory changes, or seizure-like activity, and symptoms are not intentionally produced. Clients may show indifference to symptoms and lack insight into their psychological origin.

Rationale for correct answers

1.Deep tendon reflexes remain intactbecause conversion disorder does not involve actual damage to the neuromuscular system. Reflex arcs are preserved despite motor symptoms.

3.Clients are typically unawareof the psychological origin of their symptoms. The dissociation between emotional conflict and physical manifestation is unconscious.

5.A lack of concern, termed la belle indifférence, is common. Clients may appear oddly calm or indifferent about significant functional impairments.

Rationale for incorrect answers

2.Wasting does not occur because the paralysis is psychogenic, not due to disuse or neuromuscular pathology. Muscle bulk remains preserved.

4.Physiological causes are ruled out in conversion disorder. Symptoms are not explained by any identifiable medical or neurological condition.

Take Home Points

Conversion disorder presents with neurological symptoms that lack a medical explanation and are linked to psychological stress.
Clients often lack insight and may show indifference to their symptoms.
Neurological examination typically reveals intact reflexes and preserved muscle tone.
It must be differentiated from malingering, factitious disorder, and true neurological conditions.

A. Avoid situations in which secondary gains may occur. B. Confront the client with the fact that anxiety is the cause of physical symptoms. C. Teach the client alternative coping skills to use during times of stress. D. Monitor assessments, lab reports, and vital signs to rule out organic pathology.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Conversion disorderpresents with neurological symptoms such as paralysis, seizures, or sensory lossthat lack a medical basis. Before confirming the diagnosis, it is essential to rule out organic pathologyto avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate care. This step protects patient safety and guides further psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

Rationale for correct answers

4.Ruling out organic causes ensures diagnostic accuracyand prevents mismanagement, making it the first priority in suspected conversion disorder.

Rationale for incorrect answers

1.Avoiding secondary gain is important but not the initial clinical priorityduring assessment.

2.Confrontation may provoke defensivenessand worsen symptoms; it is not therapeutic or diagnostic.

3.Teaching coping skills is valuable but follows confirmationof diagnosis and safety clearance.

Take Home Points

Ruling out organic pathology is the first step in managing suspected conversion disorder.
Accurate diagnosis prevents inappropriate treatment and supports safe psychiatric care.
Confrontation is contraindicated; supportive and nonjudgmental approaches are preferred.
Coping strategies are introduced after diagnostic clarity and patient engagement.

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A nurse considers that in a conversion disorder pseudoneurologic symptoms such as paralysis or blindness:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is suspected to be experiencing a conversion disorder. Which of the following would the nurse expect to assess? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Which intervention is a nurse’s priority when working with a client suspected of having a conversion disorder?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client fearful of an upcoming deployment to Iraq develops a paralytic conversion disorder. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

A client newly diagnosed with a conversion disorder is manifesting paralysis of a leg. The nurse can expect this client to:

What characteristic of anxiety is associated with a diagnosis of conversion disorder?

A nurse considers that in a conversion disorder pseudoneurologic symptoms such as paralysis or blindness:

Which statement describes the etiology of somatization disorder from a learning theory perspective?

A client diagnosed with somatization disorder visits multiple physicians because of various, vague symptoms involving many body systems. Which nursing diagnosis takes priority?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of conversion disorder with paralysis of the lower extremities. Which is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?

A client diagnosed with a conversion disorder has a nursing diagnosis of disturbed sensory perception related to anxiety as evidenced by paralysis. Which short-term outcome would be appropriate for this client?