A nurse is conducting an assessment of a client with suspected somatic symptom illness. Which aspect should the nurse consider as part of the assessment process?
The client's ability to perfectly articulate their emotions.
A review of the client's social media posts for symptom updates.
A thorough medical history to rule out organic causes.
An exploration of the client's childhood hobbies and interests.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
The client's ability to perfectly articulate their emotions, while important, is not the primary focus of the assessment for somatic symptom illness. The emphasis is on identifying potential physical causes and addressing underlying emotional factors.
Choice B rationale:
Reviewing the client's social media posts for symptom updates might not yield reliable or comprehensive information regarding their condition. It's more appropriate to gather information through direct communication and medical assessment.
Choice C rationale:
A thorough medical history to rule out organic causes is a crucial aspect of the assessment process. It helps determine whether the client's symptoms are linked to any underlying medical conditions that require medical intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Exploring the client's childhood hobbies and interests may not directly contribute to the assessment of somatic symptom illness. While understanding the client's background is important, focusing on medical and psychological aspects is more relevant in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and certain types of pain. While it may help manage pain associated with somatic symptom illness, it is not classified primarily as an analgesic.
Choice B rationale:
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It is not classified as an analgesic and is not primarily intended for pain relief.
Choice C rationale:
Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders and is not classified as an analgesic. Its main effects are on anxiety reduction and sedation.
Choice D rationale:
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that is often used to manage neuropathic pain, including pain associated with somatic symptom illnesses. It can help alleviate pain by affecting nerve signals in the brain.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"Factitious disorder.". Choice A is not the correct answer for this question. Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or feigning physical or psychological symptoms in oneself to assume the sick role, but it's not primarily characterized by excessive responses to the symptoms. It is more about assuming the role of a patient for psychological reasons.
Choice B rationale:
"Somatic symptom disorder.". Choice B is the correct answer. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by distressing physical symptoms that interfere with daily life. The individual's response to these symptoms is excessive, and they often become preoccupied with their health concerns. This condition differs from factitious disorder in that the symptoms are not intentionally produced for attention; they are genuinely experienced, but the distress and preoccupation become the central issue.
Choice C rationale:
"Conversion disorder.". Choice C is not the correct answer. Conversion disorder involves experiencing neurological-like symptoms, such as paralysis or blindness, that cannot be attributed to a medical condition. The symptoms often arise due to psychological stressors and are not intentionally produced or exaggerated for attention.
Choice D rationale:
"Illness anxiety disorder.". Choice D is not the correct answer. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence of such an illness. The focus is on the fear of having a disease, rather than the distressing physical symptoms described in the question.
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