A nurse is caring for a client who exhibits chronic physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions. These symptoms cause distress and impairment in the client's daily life. What term is used to describe this condition?

Illness anxiety disorder.

Conversion disorder.

Somatic symptom disorder.

Factitious disorder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Illness anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, often despite minimal or no symptoms. While this choice relates to anxiety about being sick, it does not encompass the chronic physical symptoms without clear medical explanation that the client in the scenario is experiencing.

Choice B rationale:

Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms such as altered motor functions or sensory deficits that cannot be explained by medical conditions. However, this choice doesn't account for the chronic nature of the symptoms described in the scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by chronic physical symptoms that cause distress and impairment, but the symptoms cannot be fully explained by medical conditions alone. This is the most appropriate choice for the client in the scenario, as it aligns with the chronic and distressing nature of the symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Factitious disorder involves intentionally falsifying or inducing physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role. This choice does not reflect the chronic nature of the symptoms in the scenario, nor does it address the distress experienced by the client.

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

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client experiences altered voluntary motor functions. This choice is not accurate in describing illness anxiety disorder. Altered voluntary motor functions are more characteristic of conversion disorder, not illness anxiety disorder.

Choice B rationale:

The client has excessive or maladaptive responses to symptoms. This choice accurately describes illness anxiety disorder. Individuals with this disorder exhibit excessive worry and preoccupation with the possibility of having a serious illness, often responding to mild or non-specific symptoms with disproportionate anxiety and distress.

Choice C rationale:

The client is preoccupied with having a serious illness. This choice is correct in describing illness anxiety disorder. Preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite little or no medical evidence, is a hallmark of this disorder. This preoccupation can lead to significant distress and impairment in daily functioning.

Choice D rationale:

The client intentionally produces physical symptoms. This choice is not accurate for illness anxiety disorder. Intentional symptom production is more characteristic of factitious disorder, where individuals purposefully produce or feign symptoms for various reasons.

Choice E rationale:

The client's symptoms are not intentionally produced and cause distress. This choice accurately characterizes illness anxiety disorder. The symptoms experienced by individuals with this disorder are not intentionally produced but are associated with distress due to the individual's persistent fear and belief in having a serious illness.

A. Genetic predisposition and neurobiological abnormalities. B. Substance use or withdrawal and medication side effects. C. Childhood abuse or neglect and family history of mental disorders. D. Social isolation and cultural expectations regarding health.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Genetic predisposition and neurobiological abnormalities - Somatic symptom illnesses often have a genetic component, with certain individuals being more susceptible due to genetic factors that influence the way their brain and nervous system respond to stress and emotions. Neurobiological abnormalities can lead to altered perception and processing of bodily sensations, contributing to the development and persistence of these illnesses.

Choice B rationale:

Substance use or withdrawal and medication side effects - While substance use, withdrawal, and medication side effects can impact an individual's overall well-being and potentially exacerbate physical symptoms, they are not core factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice C rationale:

Childhood abuse or neglect and family history of mental disorders - These factors can contribute to the development of various mental health conditions, but they are not specific to somatic symptom illnesses. Somatic symptom illnesses involve the interaction between emotional factors and physical symptoms that are not fully explained by medical conditions.

Choice D rationale:

Social isolation and cultural expectations regarding health - While social isolation and cultural expectations can influence an individual's perception of health and illness, they are more likely to play a secondary role in the context of somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are primarily rooted in the interaction between psychological and physiological factors.

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A nurse is caring for a client who exhibits chronic physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions. These symptoms cause distress and impairment in the client's daily life. What term is used to describe this condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Select all the statements that accurately describe illness anxiety disorder.

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

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is explaining different classes of antidepressant medications to a client. Which of the following are examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? Select all that apply.

A nurse is explaining the potential outcomes of somatic symptom illnesses to a client. Which of the following statements accurately describes a possible outcome for a client with somatic symptom illness?

A client with a somatic symptom illness is experiencing improvements in their symptoms and daily functioning. What should the nurse do to support the client's progress?

A nurse is discussing potential complications of somatic symptom illnesses with a client. Which of the following factors can influence the client's outcomes in managing their condition?

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is discussing non-pharmacological treatments for somatic symptom illnesses with a client. Which of the following interventions can be considered as relaxation techniques? Select all that apply.

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

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?

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?