A nurse is caring for a client who repeatedly reports episodes of paralysis of the arms. The client has received a medical work up and there is no identifiable cause. The nurse understands that the client will likely be diagnosed with which of the following disorders?

A. A single blood alcohol content (BAC) reading does not automatically indicate a substance use disorder. Diagnosis of a substance use disorder requires a pattern of behavior over time, including impaired control, social or occupational impairment, and continued use despite consequences, not a single episode of intoxication.

B. A BAC of 0.15 mg/dL indicates intoxication sufficient to cause acute cognitive impairment, including impaired judgment, reduced coordination, slowed reaction time, and possible emotional lability. This level is above the legal driving limit in most countries (commonly 0.08 mg/dL), meaning the client is experiencing immediate effects of alcohol on the central nervous system.

C. While the client may need follow-up evaluation, a single BAC reading does not automatically indicate the need for inpatient treatment. Treatment decisions depend on the client’s overall drinking history, risk factors, and clinical presentation, not just the acute BAC.

D. A single elevated BAC does not provide information about the client’s long-term drinking patterns. Chronic heavy drinking is diagnosed based on history, laboratory findings, and behavioral patterns over weeks to months, not an isolated blood alcohol measurement.

A. Anxietyis a frequent manifestation of somatic symptom disorder. Clients often experience excessive worry about physical symptoms, fearing that they indicate serious illness. This heightened anxiety can intensify the perception of physical discomfort and lead to repeated healthcare visits, frequent reassurance-seeking, and difficulty functioning in daily life.

B. Gastrointestinal distressis a common physical complaint among clients with somatic symptom disorder. Symptoms can include nausea, abdominal pain, bloating, or diarrhea. These symptoms are real to the client, though medical evaluation may not identify a sufficient organic cause. The persistence and severity of these complaints distinguish them from typical minor gastrointestinal upset.

C. Painis one of the most prevalent manifestations of somatic symptom disorder. Clients may report chronic pain in the back, joints, head, or other body areas. The pain is not intentionally produced or feigned, but the intensity often exceeds what would be expected from identifiable medical conditions. This symptom can significantly impair social, occupational, and personal functioning.

D. Bipolar disorderis a separate psychiatric condition characterized by alternating episodes of mania/hypomania and depression. While clients with somatic symptom disorder may have comorbid mood disorders, bipolar disorder is not a manifestation of the somatic symptom disorder itself.

E. Fixation on healthis a defining feature of somatic symptom disorder. Clients are often excessively preoccupied with the belief that their physical symptoms indicate serious illness. This preoccupation may lead to frequent doctor visits, repeated diagnostic tests, and high levels of health-related anxiety. It can also result in maladaptive behaviors such as avoiding activities for fear of exacerbating symptoms.

F. Depressionmay coexist with somatic symptom disorder, but it is considered a comorbid condition rather than a core manifestation. Depression contributes to overall functional impairment but does not define the disorder.

G. Localized amnesiais a symptom associated with dissociative disorders, not somatic symptom disorder. Memory loss related to traumatic events is a feature of dissociation rather than excessive concern about physical symptoms.