A nurse is assessing a client with a somatic symptom illness. Which of the following manifestations may be associated with this disorder?
Symptoms that are fully explained by a medical condition.
Symptoms that remain constant in intensity and location.
Symptoms that are proportional to the underlying cause.
Symptoms that may migrate from one body system to another.
Symptoms that do not affect psychological well-being.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Symptoms that are fully explained by a medical condition - Somatic symptom illnesses are characterized by physical symptoms that are not fully explained by medical conditions. If symptoms are entirely accounted for by a medical diagnosis, the individual may not meet the criteria for a somatic symptom illness.
Choice B rationale:
Symptoms that remain constant in intensity and location - Somatic symptom illnesses often involve symptoms that are variable in intensity and may migrate to different body systems over time. This variability is influenced by emotional factors and distinguishes these illnesses from conditions with consistent, anatomically based symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Symptoms that are proportional to the underlying cause - Somatic symptom illnesses can lead to symptoms that are disproportionate to the underlying medical cause. This disproportionate relationship between symptoms and physiological findings is a key characteristic of these illnesses.
Choice D rationale:
Symptoms that may migrate from one body system to another - This is a characteristic feature of somatic symptom illnesses. The migration of symptoms across different body systems is often seen and is related to the complex interplay between emotional and physiological factors.
Choice E rationale:
Symptoms that do not affect psychological well-being - Somatic symptom illnesses inherently involve a significant impact on psychological well-being. The distress and impairment caused by the physical symptoms are a core aspect of these illnesses, differentiating them from purely physical conditions.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Avoidance of distressing situations. This choice suggests that the primary motivation for the client's behavior is to avoid situations that cause distress. While this may be a factor in some cases of illness-related behaviors, it is not the primary motivation described in the scenario. The client's persistent fear and belief of having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms indicate a different underlying motivation.
Choice B rationale:
Intentional symptom production. This choice accurately captures the primary motivation for the client's behavior. Intentional symptom production refers to the deliberate creation or exaggeration of physical symptoms, often driven by psychological factors. In this case, the client's persistent fear and belief in having a serious illness point toward intentionally producing symptoms to validate their belief and seek attention or emotional relief.
Choice C rationale:
Seeking emotional relief. While seeking emotional relief may be a secondary motivation for some individuals with somatic symptom disorders, it is not the primary motivation described in the scenario. The client's behavior is primarily driven by the intentional production of symptoms and the associated beliefs, rather than a sole focus on emotional relief.
Choice D rationale:
Gaining attention and sympathy. While seeking attention and sympathy may be an outcome of the client's behavior, it is not the primary motivation. The client's behavior is rooted in their belief of having a serious illness, leading to intentional symptom production, rather than solely seeking attention or sympathy.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"I'm struggling with altered motor function.". Choice A is not associated with the behavior described in the question. Altered motor function typically refers to difficulties with movement and coordination, which may be genuine physical issues but are not indicative of intentionally falsifying symptoms for attention.
Choice B rationale:
"I don't know why I'm feeling this way.". Choice B does not accurately reflect the behavior of repeatedly falsifying psychological symptoms for attention. This statement suggests a lack of understanding regarding one's feelings, rather than intentionally seeking attention through fabricated symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
"I just want attention from others.". Choice C is the correct answer. This statement is commonly associated with the behavior described in the question. Individuals who falsify or exaggerate psychological symptoms often do so to gain attention from others. This behavior is characteristic of factitious disorders, where the primary motivation is to be seen as ill and receive care and concern.
Choice D rationale:
"I'm worried about having a serious illness.". Choice D does not align with the behavior of intentionally falsifying psychological symptoms for attention. Expressing concern about a serious illness might indicate genuine health-related anxiety but does not reflect the behavior described in the question.
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