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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Medication-based therapy - While medications can be a part of the treatment plan for somatic symptom illnesses to manage specific symptoms like anxiety or depression, they primarily address physiological symptoms and may not directly target underlying emotional factors. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Choice B rationale:

Surgical intervention - Surgical procedures are typically not the primary approach for managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are characterized by physical symptoms that are influenced by emotional factors, and surgical intervention does not address the underlying emotional aspects.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy - This is a commonly used therapeutic approach for somatic symptom illnesses. It focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying emotional factors that contribute to the physical symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals recognize and change dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors that exacerbate their symptoms. By promoting healthier coping mechanisms and emotional processing, it can effectively manage both the psychological and physiological aspects of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice D rationale:

Physical therapy - Physical therapy primarily deals with musculoskeletal and movement-related issues. While it can be beneficial for individuals with certain physical symptoms, it doesn't primarily target the emotional factors that underlie somatic symptom illnesses.

A. Encouraging the client to focus solely on physical symptoms. B. Advising the client to ignore their emotional experiences. C. Suggesting that the client suppress their emotions. D. Assisting the client to identify and use healthy coping strategies.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to focus solely on physical symptoms neglects the emotional aspect of somatic symptom illness. A comprehensive approach involves addressing both the physical symptoms and the underlying emotions.

Choice B rationale:

Advising the client to ignore their emotional experiences dismisses an essential component of their condition. Ignoring emotions can lead to emotional distress and exacerbate the somatic symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Suggesting that the client suppress their emotions would not be beneficial. Emotional suppression can contribute to increased psychological distress and hinder the client's progress toward better emotional well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Assisting the client to identify and use healthy coping strategies is a sound intervention. Coping strategies can help the client manage both physical symptoms and emotional distress in adaptive ways, improving their overall quality of life.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing treatment approaches for somatic symptom illnesses. Which therapy is commonly used to address underlying emotional factors and manage symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client with a somatic symptom illness. The client keeps a detailed journal of physical symptoms and associated emotions. Which statement is accurate regarding the nurse's intervention?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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?

A client has persistent fear and belief of having a serious illness, despite having minimal or no symptoms. What is the primary motivation for this behavior?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assisting a client with a somatic symptom illness to establish a daily routine. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse encourage the client to adopt? Select all that apply.

A nurse is educating a client about the concept of psychotherapy as a treatment option for somatic symptom illnesses. Which type of psychotherapy focuses on challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to symptoms?

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?

A nurse is providing care for several clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following clients is most likely to have illness anxiety disorder?

(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.