Somatic Symptom Illnesses

Somatic Symptom Illnesses ( 30 Questions)

Question 1 :

A nurse is caring for a client who exhibits chronic physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical conditions. These symptoms cause distress and impairment in the client's daily life. What term is used to describe this condition?



Correct Answer: C

Choice A rationale:

Illness anxiety disorder involves excessive worry about having a serious illness, often despite minimal or no symptoms. While this choice relates to anxiety about being sick, it does not encompass the chronic physical symptoms without clear medical explanation that the client in the scenario is experiencing.

Choice B rationale:

Conversion disorder involves neurological symptoms such as altered motor functions or sensory deficits that cannot be explained by medical conditions. However, this choice doesn't account for the chronic nature of the symptoms described in the scenario.

Choice C rationale:

Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by chronic physical symptoms that cause distress and impairment, but the symptoms cannot be fully explained by medical conditions alone. This is the most appropriate choice for the client in the scenario, as it aligns with the chronic and distressing nature of the symptoms.

Choice D rationale:

Factitious disorder involves intentionally falsifying or inducing physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role. This choice does not reflect the chronic nature of the symptoms in the scenario, nor does it address the distress experienced by the client. 


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