A nurse is caring for a client who has persistent physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition. These symptoms are causing significant distress and impairment in the client's daily life. Which of the following factors may contribute to the development and maintenance of the client's somatic symptom illness?
Genetic predisposition and neurobiological abnormalities.
Substance use or withdrawal and medication side effects.
Childhood abuse or neglect and family history of mental disorders.
Social isolation and cultural expectations regarding health.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and other mood disorders. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Choice B rationale:
Venlafaxine is not an SSRI; it is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). While it also affects serotonin levels, it additionally targets norepinephrine, making it different from the classic SSRIs.
Choice C rationale:
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), not an SSRI. TCAs work by affecting the levels of multiple neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are generally considered second-line treatments due to their side effect profile and the availability of newer options like SSRIs and SNRIs.
Choice D rationale:
Escitalopram is an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It specifically targets serotonin reuptake, leading to increased serotonin levels in the brain and improved mood.
Choice E rationale:
Duloxetine is an SNRI that is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain pain conditions. Like other SNRIs, it acts on both serotonin and norepinephrine systems to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Somatic symptom illnesses are not solely caused by biological factors. While there can be some biological factors that contribute to these illnesses, they are not the sole determinant. Somatic symptom illnesses involve a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that interact to create the overall clinical picture. This choice is incorrect as it oversimplifies the nature of somatic symptom illnesses.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is incorrect. Somatic symptom illnesses are not indicative of laziness or malingering on the part of the client. These illnesses are genuine and can cause significant distress to the individuals experiencing them. Labeling them as laziness or malingering is not only inaccurate but also stigmatizing. Somatic symptom illnesses are complex and require a comprehensive understanding for proper management.
Choice C rationale:
This is the correct choice. Somatic symptom illnesses are indeed complex disorders that result from interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors. Individuals with somatic symptom illnesses experience physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by underlying medical conditions. These symptoms often have a psychological component, such as anxiety or distress, which can exacerbate the physical symptoms. Additionally, social factors, including cultural influences and environmental stressors, can contribute to the development and maintenance of these illnesses. A biopsychosocial model is commonly used to understand and manage somatic symptom illnesses.
Choice D rationale:
Somatic symptom illnesses are not exclusively caused by psychological factors. While psychological factors can contribute to the onset and exacerbation of these illnesses, there is often a biological basis as well. The interplay between psychological, biological, and social factors is essential to understanding these disorders. This choice is incorrect because it disregards the biological component that plays a role in somatic symptom illnesses.
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