A nurse is working with a client who is displaying disproportionate fear of having cancer. The nurse notes the client is seeking out medical care more frequently, has high anxiety, and believes they have cancer, despite no medical evidence to support this. Which of the following disorders is the client likely experiencing?
Somatic symptom disorder
Factitious disorder
Functional neurological symptom disorder
Illness anxiety disorder
The Correct Answer is D
A. Somatic symptom disorder. This disorder involves excessive concern over physical symptoms that are actually present, even if they are mild. In contrast, illness anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear of having a serious illness despite the absence of significant physical symptoms.
B. Factitious disorder. Factitious disorder involves deliberately fabricating or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role. In illness anxiety disorder, the client genuinely believes they are ill but does not intentionally create symptoms.
C. Functional neurological symptom disorder. This condition, previously called conversion disorder, involves neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness) that cannot be explained by medical findings. Unlike illness anxiety disorder, these symptoms are involuntary and not focused on a fear of disease.
D. Illness anxiety disorder. This disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry about having a severe illness despite little or no medical evidence. The client’s persistent health-related anxiety and frequent medical visits align with this diagnosis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Incoherent speech. Incoherent speech is more characteristic of acute episodes of schizophrenia rather than the prodromal phase. During the prodromal phase, symptoms are typically less severe and may not include full-blown disorganized thinking.
B. Severe delusions. Severe delusions are indicative of an active psychotic phase of schizophrenia. The prodromal phase generally involves milder symptoms that precede the onset of more severe psychotic episodes.
C. Withdrawn behavior. The prodromal phase of schizophrenia is often marked by subtle changes in behavior, including social withdrawal, decline in self-care, and changes in functioning. Withdrawn behavior is a common manifestation during this phase, signaling the beginning of deterioration before the onset of more intense symptoms.
D. Frequent hallucinations. Hallucinations are more commonly seen during the active phase of schizophrenia rather than the prodromal phase. In this early stage, clients may experience less intense symptoms and may not exhibit frequent or vivid hallucinations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Assess the client for suicidal ideation and thoughts of self-harm. The client's statement about feeling tired of living and contemplating ending it all indicates a potential risk for suicide. It is essential for the nurse to conduct a thorough assessment of the client’s mental state, including any suicidal thoughts or plans, to ensure their safety.
B. Determine if the client has entered one of their alter personalities. This action is not relevant to factitious disorder, as it involves intentionally producing or feigning symptoms rather than dissociative identity disorder, which features the presence of distinct personality states.
C. Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques. While relaxation techniques can be beneficial for managing stress, they do not address the immediate risk of suicidal ideation and should not be prioritized over a safety assessment.
D. Encourage the client to participate in group therapy sessions. While group therapy can be beneficial, it may not be appropriate to encourage participation until the client's safety is ensured. Assessing for suicidal thoughts takes precedence to address any immediate risk to the client.
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