A nurse is assessing a client who has a diagnosis of conversion disorder. Which of the following is an expected finding?
Refusal of medication due to paranoia.
Preoccupation with manifestations of various illnesses.
Frequent manic episodes.
Involuntary loss of a sensory function or a motor function with no underlying neurologic pathology.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale: Refusal of medication due to paranoia is not typically associated with conversion disorder. Paranoia is more commonly seen in disorders such as schizophrenia or paranoid personality disorder.
Choice B rationale: Preoccupation with manifestations of various illnesses is a characteristic of somatic symptom disorder, not conversion disorder. In somatic symptom disorder, individuals are excessively worried about having a serious illness, despite having no or only mild symptoms.
Choice C rationale: Frequent manic episodes are a hallmark of bipolar disorder, not conversion disorder. Manic episodes involve periods of extreme high energy or mood.
Choice D rationale: Conversion disorder, also known as functional neurological symptom disorder, is characterized by the presence of neurological symptoms, such as the loss of a sensory or motor function, that cannot be explained by medical evaluation. Symptoms can include seizures, weakness or paralysis, or reduced input from one or more senses. Therefore, an involuntary loss of a sensory function or a motor function with no underlying neurologic pathology is an expected finding in a client diagnosed with conversion disorder.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While a heart rate of 52/min is lower than the normal range (60-100/min), it’s not uncommon in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to the body’s adaptation to conserve energy.
However, it’s not the most critical vital sign to address first in this scenario.
Choice B rationale: A respiratory rate of 26/min is slightly elevated (normal range is 12-20/min), possibly due to anxiety or distress.
However, it’s not the most immediate concern compared to other vital signs.
Choice C rationale: The client’s blood pressure is 84/50 mm Hg, which is significantly lower than the normal range (90/60 to 120/80 mm Hg). This could indicate hypotension, which can lead to dizziness, fainting, and inadequate blood flow to organs.
Hypotension is a common complication of anorexia nervosa due to decreased blood volume and weakened heart muscle.
Therefore, it should be addressed first.
Choice D rationale: The client’s temperature is 36.1°C (97°F), which is slightly lower than the normal body temperature range (36.5–37.5°C or 97.7–99.5°F). Hypothermia is a common complication in individuals with anorexia nervosa due to loss of body fat, which provides insulation.
However, it’s not the most immediate concern in this scenario.
In conclusion, the nurse should first address the client’s blood pressure due to the potential risks associated with hypotension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The client’s reported behavior of using laxatives and inducing vomiting after eating can lead to a condition known as hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia is a condition characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood. This condition can be caused by poor intake, excessive loss, or movement of magnesium from the blood into less accessible locations. The use of laxatives can lead to excessive loss of magnesium through increased bowel movements. Similarly, self-induced vomiting can also result in a loss of magnesium. Therefore, the client’s behavior puts them at risk for developing hypomagnesemia.
Choice B rationale:
Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood. While the use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting can lead to dehydration, which can strain the kidneys, these behaviors are not directly associated with renal failure. Therefore, while it’s possible for the client to develop kidney problems, it’s less likely compared to hypomagnesemia.
Choice C rationale:
Heart failure occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. This condition can cause symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling, fatigue, and other symptoms. While severe electrolyte imbalances, such as those that might result from the use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting, can affect heart function, they would typically result in arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) rather than heart failure. Therefore, it’s less likely for the client to develop heart failure based on the behaviors described.
Choice D rationale:
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces and releases too much thyroid hormone. This condition can cause symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety. The client’s behaviors of using laxatives and inducing vomiting after eating do not directly influence the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it’s less likely for the client to develop hyperthyroidism based on the behaviors described.
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