A nurse is planning care for a client with a somatic symptom illness. The client keeps a detailed journal of physical symptoms and associated emotions. Which statement is accurate regarding the nurse's intervention?

Encouraging the client to focus solely on physical symptoms.

Advising the client to ignore their emotional experiences.

Suggesting that the client suppress their emotions.

Assisting the client to identify and use healthy coping strategies.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to focus solely on physical symptoms neglects the emotional aspect of somatic symptom illness. A comprehensive approach involves addressing both the physical symptoms and the underlying emotions.

Choice B rationale:

Advising the client to ignore their emotional experiences dismisses an essential component of their condition. Ignoring emotions can lead to emotional distress and exacerbate the somatic symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Suggesting that the client suppress their emotions would not be beneficial. Emotional suppression can contribute to increased psychological distress and hinder the client's progress toward better emotional well-being.

Choice D rationale:

Assisting the client to identify and use healthy coping strategies is a sound intervention. Coping strategies can help the client manage both physical symptoms and emotional distress in adaptive ways, improving their overall quality of life.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Symptoms that are fully explained by a medical condition - Somatic symptom illnesses are characterized by physical symptoms that are not fully explained by medical conditions. If symptoms are entirely accounted for by a medical diagnosis, the individual may not meet the criteria for a somatic symptom illness.

Choice B rationale:

Symptoms that remain constant in intensity and location - Somatic symptom illnesses often involve symptoms that are variable in intensity and may migrate to different body systems over time. This variability is influenced by emotional factors and distinguishes these illnesses from conditions with consistent, anatomically based symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

Symptoms that are proportional to the underlying cause - Somatic symptom illnesses can lead to symptoms that are disproportionate to the underlying medical cause. This disproportionate relationship between symptoms and physiological findings is a key characteristic of these illnesses.

Choice D rationale:

Symptoms that may migrate from one body system to another - This is a characteristic feature of somatic symptom illnesses. The migration of symptoms across different body systems is often seen and is related to the complex interplay between emotional and physiological factors.

Choice E rationale:

Symptoms that do not affect psychological well-being - Somatic symptom illnesses inherently involve a significant impact on psychological well-being. The distress and impairment caused by the physical symptoms are a core aspect of these illnesses, differentiating them from purely physical conditions.

A. Medication-based therapy. B. Surgical intervention. C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy. D. Physical therapy.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Medication-based therapy - While medications can be a part of the treatment plan for somatic symptom illnesses to manage specific symptoms like anxiety or depression, they primarily address physiological symptoms and may not directly target underlying emotional factors. They are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Choice B rationale:

Surgical intervention - Surgical procedures are typically not the primary approach for managing somatic symptom illnesses. These illnesses are characterized by physical symptoms that are influenced by emotional factors, and surgical intervention does not address the underlying emotional aspects.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy - This is a commonly used therapeutic approach for somatic symptom illnesses. It focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying emotional factors that contribute to the physical symptoms. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps individuals recognize and change dysfunctional thought patterns and behaviors that exacerbate their symptoms. By promoting healthier coping mechanisms and emotional processing, it can effectively manage both the psychological and physiological aspects of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice D rationale:

Physical therapy - Physical therapy primarily deals with musculoskeletal and movement-related issues. While it can be beneficial for individuals with certain physical symptoms, it doesn't primarily target the emotional factors that underlie somatic symptom illnesses.

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A nurse is planning care for a client with a somatic symptom illness. The client keeps a detailed journal of physical symptoms and associated emotions. Which statement is accurate regarding the nurse's intervention?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client with a somatic symptom illness. Which of the following manifestations may be associated with this disorder?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is discussing treatment approaches for somatic symptom illnesses. Which therapy is commonly used to address underlying emotional factors and manage symptoms?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

(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 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.

A client experiences physical symptoms that are distressing and interfere with daily life. The client exhibits excessive responses to these symptoms and their health concerns. Which term describes this condition?

(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.

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?

A client has persistent fear and belief of having a serious illness, despite having minimal or no symptoms. What is the primary motivation for this behavior?

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?

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is discussing various goals that can be set for the treatment of somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following are realistic and measurable goals that a client might aim for? Select all that apply.