What characteristic of anxiety is associated with a diagnosis of conversion disorder?
Free floating.
Relieved by the symptom.
Consciously felt by the client.
Projected onto the environment.
The Correct Answer is B
Conversion disorder is a subtype of somatic symptom and related disorders where psychological stress is unconsciously transformed into physical symptoms. These symptoms often reflect symbolic resolution of internal conflict and are not intentionally produced. The disorder is marked by motor, sensory, or seizure-like symptoms that lack a medical explanation. Anxiety is often present but not consciously acknowledged, and the physical symptom serves to reduce psychological distress by shifting focus away from the emotional conflict.
Rationale for correct answers
2. Symptom relief occurs because the physical manifestation symbolically resolves the internal psychological conflict. The anxiety is unconsciously converted, and the symptom provides psychological escape from distress. This defense mechanism reduces conscious awareness of anxiety.
Rationale for incorrect answers
1. Free-floating anxiety refers to generalized anxiety disorder, where anxiety is persistent and not linked to a specific trigger. In conversion disorder, anxiety is linked to unconscious conflict and not diffusely experienced.
3. Consciously felt anxiety contradicts the nature of conversion disorder, where the anxiety is repressed and not directly experienced. The client is unaware of the psychological origin of the symptom.
4. Projected anxiety involves attributing internal feelings to external sources, which is more characteristic of psychotic or personality disorders. Conversion disorder involves internalization and somatization, not projection.
Take Home Points
- Conversion disorder involves unconscious transformation of psychological stress into physical symptoms.
- Anxiety is present but not consciously acknowledged; symptoms serve to relieve internal conflict.
Differentiation from malingering and factitious disorder is essential, as symptoms are not intentionally produced.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Somatization disorderinvolves multiple physical complaints that lack a clear medical cause and are linked to psychological distress, coping deficits, and functional impairment. Assessment focuses on understanding the patient’s emotional state, coping mechanisms, and impact on daily life. While safety is always a priority, violence riskis not typically associated with somatization unless comorbid conditions exist.
Rationale for correct answers
4.Potential for violence is not a core concern in somatization disorder unless there are comorbid psychiatricconditions; it is least relevantin standard assessment.
Rationale for incorrect answers
1.Understanding coping mechanisms is essential to identify maladaptive strategiesand guide therapeutic interventions.
2.Diagnostic workups help rule out organic causes, supporting accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary medical procedures.
3.Limitations in daily living reflect the functional impactof symptoms and guide care planning and outcome evaluation.
Take Home Points
- Violence risk is not a primary concern in somatization disorder unless other psychiatric risks are present.
- Assessment should focus on coping, functional limitations, and diagnostic clarity.
- Understanding the psychological basis of symptoms is essential for effective care.
- Functional impairment guides nursing interventions and outcome planning.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Learning theoryexplains somatization disorder as a behavior shaped by reinforcement, conditioning, and modeling. When physical symptoms receive attention, care, or relief from responsibilities, they are unintentionally reinforced. This positive reinforcementincreases the likelihood of symptom persistence. The behavior is not consciously produced but maintained through environmental responses that reward illness behavior.
Rationale for correct answers
2.Reinforcement of symptoms through attention or relief from duties supports the learning theoryview that behavior is shaped by external rewards.
Rationale for incorrect answers
1.Genetic predisposition reflects a biologicalmodel, not learning theory.
3.Viewing oneself as “bad” aligns with psychodynamictheory, involving unconscious guilt and atonement.
4.Repression of anxiety is a psychodynamicexplanation, not based on behavioral reinforcement.
Take Home Points
- Learning theory attributes somatization to reinforcement of illness behaviors.
- Attention and relief from responsibilities can unintentionally perpetuate symptoms.
- Differentiating behavioral from psychodynamic and biological models is essential for targeted intervention.
- Nursing care must reduce reinforcement and promote adaptive coping strategies.
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