A nurse is caring for a client who has somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Teach the client how to use relaxation techniques.
Ensure the client is prescribed pain medication.
Encourage the client to increase their intake of carbohydrates.
Schedule the client to meet with their primary care provider weekly
The Correct Answer is A
A. Teaching relaxation techniques is an appropriate nursing intervention for clients with somatic symptom disorder. These techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, help clients manage stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate physical symptoms. Nonpharmacologic strategies are preferred because symptoms are often amplified by psychological factors, and the focus is on improving coping rather than treating underlying pathology that may not exist.
B. Prescribing pain medication is not the primary approach for somatic symptom disorder unless there is a clearly documented medical indication. Overuse of analgesics can reinforce symptom focus and lead to dependency or medication overuse complications.
C. Increasing carbohydrate intake is unrelated to the treatment of somatic symptom disorder. Nutritional changes should be guided by medical needs, not by the psychological manifestations of the disorder.
D. Frequent unscheduled or weekly visits to the primary care provider can reinforce health preoccupation and illness behavior, which is counterproductive in somatic symptom disorder. Instead, structured and scheduled visits should be planned to reduce unnecessary medical consultations while providing reassurance and monitoring.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Factitious disorderinvolves intentional production or feigning of symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role. In this case, there is no evidence that the client is deliberately producing symptoms; the paralysis is reported but not consciously faked.
B. Functional neurological symptom disorder(also called conversion disorder) is characterized by neurological symptoms—such as paralysis, tremors, or seizures—that cannot be explained by medical evaluation. These symptoms are real to the clientand are not intentionally produced. The disorder often emerges in response to psychological stress or trauma, and clients are not consciously aware of causing their symptoms.
C. Illness anxiety disorderinvolves excessive worry about having or acquiring a serious illness, usually without significant somatic symptoms. Clients focus on the possibility of illness rather than experiencing neurological deficits like paralysis.
D. Somatic symptom disorderinvolves distressing somatic symptoms that may or may not have a medical explanation, but it usually includes excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms. In this scenario, the primary issue is neurological dysfunction without evidence of psychological exaggeration or excessive health-related anxiety, making conversion disorder more specific.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A statement like “I know I am skinny” reflects awareness of being underweight, but it does not indicate the behaviors or preoccupation typical of anorexia nervosa. Some clients with anorexia may actually perceive themselves as overweight, even when underweight.
B. Enjoying form-fitting clothes to show off the body suggests body confidence rather than the body image distortion seen in anorexia nervosa. Anorexia is usually associated with fear of weight gain and dissatisfaction with body shape, not pride in appearance.
C. Having “so much energy” is not a defining characteristic of anorexia nervosa. In fact, clients often experience fatigue, weakness, or lethargydue to malnutrition.
D. Spending lots of time searching for new recipes is consistent with preoccupation with food, which is a hallmark of anorexia nervosa. Individuals with anorexia often fixate on food, plan meals meticulously, or engage in food-related behaviors as part of controlling their intake and monitoring calories.
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