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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Conversion disorder. Conversion disorder involves the presence of neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, blindness, or seizures, that cannot be explained by a medical condition. These symptoms typically reflect an unconscious psychological conflict or need. The nurse should be familiar with this disorder as it falls within the category of somatic symptom illnesses.

Choice B rationale:

Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder. Unspecified somatic symptom and related disorder is not a specific recognized disorder. This choice does not accurately describe a type of somatic symptom illness.

Choice C rationale:

Illness anxiety disorder. Illness anxiety disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry and fear of having a serious illness despite minimal or no medical evidence. Individuals with this disorder often misinterpret bodily sensations as signs of a severe illness. The focus is on the fear of having an illness rather than intentional symptom production.

Choice D rationale:

Chronic medical condition disorder. Chronic medical condition disorder is not a recognized disorder within the somatic symptom illness category. This choice is not accurate in describing a type of somatic symptom illness.

Choice E rationale:

Somatic symptom disorder. Somatic symptom disorder involves distressing and disruptive physical symptoms that may or may not have an identifiable medical cause. The key characteristic is the disproportionate and excessive focus on the symptoms themselves, leading to impaired functioning. This disorder can include intentional symptom production but is not solely defined by it.

A. Psychodynamic therapy. B. Family therapy. C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy. D. Interpersonal therapy.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]

Explanation

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?

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 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 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?

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

A nurse is providing education to a client's family about somatic symptom illnesses. Which of the following statements accurately conveys the nature of somatic symptom illnesses?