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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Altered motor functions and sensory symptoms are more indicative of conversion disorder rather than illness anxiety disorder. Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms that cannot be medically explained, which contrasts with the preoccupation with serious illness seen in illness anxiety disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Intentionally producing physical symptoms for attention aligns with factitious disorder, where individuals feign or induce symptoms to assume the sick role. This behavior does not align with the diagnostic criteria for illness anxiety disorder.

Choice C rationale:

This choice correctly identifies the key characteristic of illness anxiety disorder, which involves excessive worry about having a serious illness despite minimal or no symptoms. This preoccupation causes distress and often leads the individual to seek medical reassurance repeatedly.

Choice D rationale:

Experiencing chronic physical symptoms with excessive responses might be seen in somatic symptom disorder, where the distress and impairment caused by the symptoms are disproportionate. However, this choice does not specifically address the preoccupation with serious illness that defines illness anxiety disorder.

A. Discouraging the client from seeking professional help. B. Promoting passive-aggressive behavior as a coping strategy. C. Educating the client about the role of psychological factors. D. Advising the client to continue avoiding physical activities.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Discouraging the client from seeking professional help would be detrimental to their well-being. Somatic symptom illness often requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving both medical and psychological interventions. Encouraging professional help-seeking is essential for effective management.

Choice B rationale:

Promoting passive-aggressive behavior as a coping strategy is not appropriate. Passive-aggressive behavior can hinder effective communication and exacerbate the client's distress. Encouraging healthy coping mechanisms and addressing the underlying psychological factors is a more beneficial approach.

Choice C rationale:

Educating the client about the role of psychological factors is crucial because somatic symptom illness often has psychological components. Helping the client understand the mind-body connection can empower them to recognize how emotional stressors can manifest as physical symptoms. This knowledge can aid the client in managing their condition more effectively.

Choice D rationale:

Advising the client to continue avoiding physical activities is not recommended. Encouraging physical activity within the client's capabilities can have positive effects on their overall well-being. Avoidance of physical activities might lead to deconditioning and worsen the client's physical and emotional state.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is providing health teaching to a client with a somatic symptom illness. What is a crucial component of the nurse's education for the client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who repeatedly falsifies psychological symptoms to assume the role of a sick person. What statement is commonly associated with this behavior?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is working with a client with a somatic symptom illness to identify healthy coping strategies. Which strategies should the nurse encourage the client to use? Select all that apply.

A client with a somatic symptom illness is experiencing improvements in their symptoms and daily functioning. What should the nurse do to support the client's progress?

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 nurse is assessing clients with somatic symptom illnesses. Select all the statements that accurately describe illness anxiety disorder.

A client with somatic symptom illness is interested in exploring treatment options beyond medication. Which non-pharmacological intervention involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow?

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is explaining different classes of antidepressant medications to a client. Which of the following are examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)? Select all that apply.