A nurse is caring for a group of clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Select all the types of somatic symptom illnesses from the following options.
Conversion disorder.
Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder.
Illness anxiety disorder.
Chronic medical condition disorder.
Somatic symptom disorder.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A rationale:
Conversion disorder. Conversion disorder involves the presence of neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, blindness, or seizures, that cannot be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms typically reflect an unconscious psychological conflict or need. The nurse should be familiar with this disorder as it falls within the category of somatic symptom illnesses.
Choice B rationale:
Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder. Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder is not a specific recognized disorder. This choice does not accurately describe a type of somatic symptom illness.
Choice C rationale:
Illness anxiety disorder. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence. Individuals with this disorder often misinterpret bodily sensations as signs of a severe illness. The focus is on the fear of having an illness rather than intentional symptom production.
Choice D rationale:
Chronic medical condition disorder. Chronic medical condition disorder is not a recognized disorder within the somatic symptom illness category. This choice is not accurate in describing a type of somatic symptom illness.
Choice E rationale:
Somatic symptom disorder. Somatic symptom disorder involves distressing and disruptive physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. The key characteristic is the disproportionate and excessive focus on the symptoms themselves, leading to impaired functioning. This disorder can include intentional symptom production but is not solely defined by it.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Conversion disorder.". Choice A is not the correct answer. Conversion disorder involves the development of physical symptoms, such as motor or sensory deficits, that suggest a neurological or medical condition but are actually caused by psychological factors. It does not involve intentional production or falsification of symptoms for attention.
Choice B rationale:
"Illness anxiety disorder.". Choice B is not the correct answer. Illness anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness, even in the absence of medical evidence. It does not involve intentional fabrication of symptoms for attention.
Choice C rationale:
"Factitious disorder.". Choice C is the correct answer. Factitious disorder is characterized by intentionally producing or falsifying physical or psychological symptoms to assume the role of a sick person. The primary motivation is to receive attention, care, and sympathy from medical professionals or others. This behavior is driven by psychological factors rather than genuine medical need.
Choice D rationale:
"Somatic symptom disorder.". Choice D is not the correct answer. Somatic symptom disorder involves experiencing distressing physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. While the symptoms are real and genuinely felt, the central issue in somatic symptom disorder is the excessive response to these symptoms and the preoccupation with health concerns. It is not primarily about intentionally falsifying symptoms for attention.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Complete recovery is a possible outcome for some individuals with somatic symptom illnesses, where they no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for the illness. With appropriate treatment and interventions, individuals can experience improvements in their symptoms and overall functioning.
Choice B rationale:
While symptoms can vary, stating that symptoms will worsen over time, leading to severe impairment in functioning (Choice B) is not accurate for the majority of cases of somatic symptom illnesses. Most individuals can experience improvement with proper management and treatment.
Choice C rationale:
Complete disappearance of symptoms after a single round of medication (Choice C) is unlikely for most somatic symptom illnesses. These conditions often have complex underlying factors that require a multidimensional approach for effective management.
Choice D rationale:
While mood improvement is possible with treatment, stating that the physical symptoms will remain unchanged (Choice D) is overly pessimistic. Treatment approaches aim to address both physical and psychological aspects of somatic symptom illnesses.
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