A client is admitted to the inpatient psychiatric unit with a diagnosis of a somatoform disorder. Which statement does the nurse recognize as true about all somatoform disorders?

Choice A Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder should have any new medical complaint evaluated.

This is the correct response. Clients with somatoform disorders often experience physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by any underlying medical condition. However, it is crucial to evaluate any new medical complaints to rule out any actual medical conditions that may require treatment. This approach ensures that the client receives comprehensive care and that any potential medical issues are not overlooked.

Choice B Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder can be easily cured with medication.

This statement is incorrect. Somatoform disorders are complex and often require a multifaceted treatment approach, including psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and sometimes medication to manage associated symptoms like anxiety or depression. There is no simple cure for somatoform disorders, and treatment typically focuses on managing symptoms and improving the client’s quality of life.

Choice C Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder has a real medical diagnosis for their symptoms.

While clients with somatoform disorders experience real and distressing symptoms, these symptoms are not typically linked to a diagnosable medical condition. The symptoms are believed to be related to psychological factors, and the focus of treatment is often on addressing these underlying psychological issues rather than finding a medical diagnosis.

Choice D Reason:

The client diagnosed with a somatoform disorder intentionally pretends to have physical symptoms.

This statement is incorrect. Clients with somatoform disorders do not intentionally fake their symptoms. Their symptoms are real to them and cause significant distress and impairment. The symptoms are not under the client’s conscious control, and they genuinely believe they are experiencing a medical condition.

Choice A Reason:

Seclusion is used in psychiatric settings primarily to manage patients who are exhibiting aggressive or severely disturbed behavior. The reduced sensory input in a seclusion room helps the patient to regain control over their emotions and behavior by minimizing external stimuli that could exacerbate their condition. This controlled environment can be crucial in preventing harm to the patient and others, and it allows the patient to calm down in a safe space. The goal is to provide a therapeutic setting that aids in the patient’s recovery and stabilization.

Choice B Reason:

While communication is an essential part of psychiatric care, seclusion is not intended to encourage interaction with others. In fact, seclusion is used when a patient needs to be isolated to prevent harm to themselves or others. Encouraging communication is more appropriate in other therapeutic settings where the patient is stable and can engage safely with others. Therefore, this statement does not accurately explain the purpose of seclusion.

Choice C Reason:

Forcing clients to be responsible for themselves is not the primary goal of seclusion. Seclusion is a measure taken to ensure safety and to help the patient regain control over their behavior in a controlled environment. Responsibility and self-management are important aspects of psychiatric treatment, but they are typically addressed through other therapeutic interventions and not through seclusion. Thus, this statement is not an accurate explanation of the use of seclusion.

Choice D Reason:

Managing the unit with fewer staff is not a valid reason for using seclusion. The primary purpose of seclusion is to ensure the safety of the patient and others, not to reduce staffing needs. In fact, the use of seclusion requires careful monitoring and adherence to strict protocols, which can actually increase the need for staff attention. Therefore, this statement does not correctly explain the rationale behind the use of seclusion.