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?

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.

Choice A rationale:

Avoiding any discussion of the client's physical symptoms would be counterproductive in building a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. Ignoring the client's concerns might lead to feelings of neglect and hinder the development of trust and rapport.

Choice B rationale:

Establishing trust and rapport is a fundamental aspect of nursing care, particularly when dealing with clients with somatic symptom illness. These clients often experience distressing physical symptoms that have psychological roots. By creating a safe and supportive environment, the nurse can encourage the client to share their experiences, emotions, and concerns openly. This helps the nurse understand the client's condition better and collaborate on an effective care plan.

Choice C rationale:

Dismissing the client's emotional experiences would be detrimental to their well-being. Clients with somatic symptom illness often have genuine distress related to their physical symptoms. Addressing their emotional experiences validates their feelings and aids in uncovering the underlying psychological factors contributing to their symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Using sarcasm to help the client confront their behavior is inappropriate and unprofessional. Sarcasm can damage the therapeutic relationship, making the client feel ridiculed and unheard. Respectful and empathetic communication is crucial in nursing care, especially when dealing with individuals who are experiencing distress.