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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The client's age and gender play a significant role in influencing the outcomes of managing somatic symptom illnesses. Different age groups may have varying levels of resilience, coping mechanisms, and communication skills to address their condition effectively. Gender can also affect the perception of symptoms and the way they are expressed, as well as cultural and societal factors that influence how individuals manage their health.

Choice B rationale:

The client's dietary preferences, while important for overall health, are not directly related to the management of somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are characterized by excessive focus on physical symptoms that may not have an organic cause. Dietary preferences are more relevant to nutritional status and general well-being.

Choice C rationale:

The client's financial status can impact their access to healthcare resources and treatment options, but it is not a factor that directly influences the outcomes of managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are primarily psychological in nature and involve the interpretation and management of physical sensations.

Choice D rationale:

The client's preference for alternative medicine may influence their treatment approach, but it is not a key factor that universally affects outcomes in managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are typically addressed through a combination of psychological interventions and, in some cases, medical management.

A. Encouraging the client to ignore their physical symptoms. B. Explaining that the symptoms are purely psychological. C. Assisting the client to express their emotions and thoughts. D. Providing excessive attention and sympathy to the client.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to ignore their physical symptoms would not be an appropriate intervention. Somatic symptom illness involves genuine distress and discomfort, and disregarding the symptoms might lead to increased frustration and anxiety.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining that the symptoms are purely psychological oversimplifies the situation. While psychological factors do play a role in somatic symptom illness, the symptoms are not purely imaginary. Validating the client's experiences while addressing underlying emotional factors is a more comprehensive approach.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client to express their emotions and thoughts is a suitable intervention. Somatic symptom illness often arises from unaddressed emotional distress. By encouraging the client to discuss their feelings, the nurse provides a safe space for emotional expression and can help identify contributing factors.

Choice D rationale:

Providing excessive attention and sympathy to the client might inadvertently reinforce their focus on physical symptoms rather than addressing the underlying emotional issues. This approach could potentially contribute to the maintenance of somatic symptom illness.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing potential complications of somatic symptom illnesses with a client. Which of the following factors can influence the client's outcomes in managing their condition?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a somatic symptom illness states, "I always feel weak and fatigued, no matter what I do. I can't even walk properly." Which nursing intervention is appropriate for this client?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with a somatic symptom illness is receiving care. What is an essential aspect of the nurse-client relationship in this situation?

A nurse is explaining the potential outcomes of somatic symptom illnesses to a client. Which of the following statements accurately describes a possible outcome for a client with somatic symptom illness?

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.

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assisting a client with a somatic symptom illness to establish a daily routine. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse encourage the client to adopt? Select all that apply.

(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.

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is discussing non-pharmacological treatments for somatic symptom illnesses with a client. Which of the following interventions can be considered as relaxation techniques? Select all that apply.