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?
Psychodynamic therapy.
Family therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Interpersonal therapy.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Psychodynamic therapy - Psychodynamic therapy focuses on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences to understand and address current psychological issues. While it can be beneficial for various mental health concerns, it may not be the primary approach for challenging and changing negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to somatic symptom illnesses.
Choice B rationale:
Family therapy - Family therapy involves addressing family dynamics and interactions to improve overall family functioning. While family support is important, family therapy might not be the primary approach to directly address the negative thoughts and beliefs contributing to somatic symptoms.
Choice C rationale:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) - This is the correct answer. CBT is well-known for its effectiveness in treating somatic symptom illnesses. It targets negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to physical symptoms. By challenging these thoughts and promoting healthier beliefs, clients can experience a reduction in somatic symptoms and improved overall functioning.
Choice D rationale:
Interpersonal therapy - Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication. While these skills are valuable, this type of therapy might not be the primary choice for directly addressing the cognitive aspect of somatic symptom illnesses.
Disorder |
Definition |
Symptoms |
Causes |
Treatment |
Somatic symptom disorder |
A condition in which a person has physical symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment, but are not fully explained by a medical condition. |
Pain, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, etc. The person may also have excessive worry, anxiety, or depression about the symptoms. |
The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. Stress and trauma may trigger or worsen the symptoms. |
Psychotherapy, medication, and self-care strategies to cope with the symptoms and reduce stress. |
Factitious disorder |
A condition in which a person deliberately produces, feigns, or exaggerates symptoms of an illness or injury, without a clear motive or benefit. |
The person may have various symptoms that mimic a medical condition, such as fever, bleeding, seizures, etc. The person may also tamper with tests, injure themselves, or take substances to induce symptoms. |
The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to psychological factors such as low self-esteem, childhood abuse or neglect, personality disorders, or emotional trauma. The person may seek attention, care, or sympathy from others. |
Psychotherapy, medication, and family or group therapy to address the underlying issues and improve self-esteem and coping skills. |
Conversion disorder |
A condition in which a person has neurological symptoms that are not explained by a neurological disease or another medical condition. |
The person may have weakness, paralysis, tremors, seizures, numbness, vision or hearing problems, speech difficulties, etc. The symptoms may vary in severity and duration. |
The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to how the brain functions rather than its structure. The condition may be triggered by a neurological disorder or by stress or psychological trauma. |
Psychotherapy, medication, physical therapy, and hypnosis to relieve the symptoms and manage the stress or trauma. |
Illness anxiety disorder |
A condition in which a person has excessive fear or worry that they have or will develop a serious illness, despite having few or no symptoms. |
The person may have mild or normal body sensations that they interpret as signs of a serious disease. The person may also seek frequent medical reassurance or avoid medical care for fear of being diagnosed. The person may also search the internet for information about diseases or symptoms. |
The exact cause is unknown, but it may be related to genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Anxiety disorders, depression, childhood illness or abuse, or stressful life events may increase the risk. |
Psychotherapy, medication, and self-help strategies to challenge the negative thoughts and reduce anxiety. |
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Illness anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, often despite minimal or no symptoms. While this choice relates to anxiety about being sick, it does not encompass the chronic physical symptoms without clear medical explanation that the client in the scenario is experiencing.
Choice B rationale:
Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms such as altered motor functions or sensory deficits that cannot be explained by medical conditions. However, this choice doesn't account for the chronic nature of the symptoms described in the scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by chronic physical symptoms that cause distress and impairment, but the symptoms cannot be fully explained by medical conditions alone. This is the most appropriate choice for the client in the scenario, as it aligns with the chronic and distressing nature of the symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Factitious disorder involves intentionally falsifying or inducing physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role. This choice does not reflect the chronic nature of the symptoms in the scenario, nor does it address the distress experienced by the client.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypnosis involves inducing a trance-like state to enhance focus and concentration, but it does not involve inserting needles into the body. It is often used for relaxation, pain management, and behavioral changes.
Choice B rationale:
Acupuncture is a non-pharmacological intervention that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow, according to traditional Chinese medicine. This technique is believed to help rebalance the body's energy pathways and can be used to address various physical and psychological conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Biofeedback involves teaching individuals to control physiological processes such as heart rate, muscle tension, and blood pressure. It provides real-time information about these processes, allowing individuals to learn how to regulate them. However, it does not involve the insertion of needles into the body.
Choice D rationale:
Physical therapy focuses on improving physical function and mobility through exercises and techniques. It does not involve the use of needles or energy flow stimulation, making it less relevant to somatic symptom illness treatment compared to acupuncture.
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