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?
A client with altered motor functions and sensory symptoms.
A client intentionally producing physical symptoms for attention.
A client preoccupied with having a serious illness despite minimal symptoms.
A client experiencing chronic physical symptoms with excessive responses.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression and other mood disorders. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Choice B rationale:
Venlafaxine is not an SSRI; it is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). While it also affects serotonin levels, it additionally targets norepinephrine, making it different from the classic SSRIs.
Choice C rationale:
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA), not an SSRI. TCAs work by affecting the levels of multiple neurotransmitters, including serotonin and norepinephrine. They are generally considered second-line treatments due to their side effect profile and the availability of newer options like SSRIs and SNRIs.
Choice D rationale:
Escitalopram is an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It specifically targets serotonin reuptake, leading to increased serotonin levels in the brain and improved mood.
Choice E rationale:
Duloxetine is an SNRI that is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain pain conditions. Like other SNRIs, it acts on both serotonin and norepinephrine systems to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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.
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