Chapter 17 - Somatic Symptom Disorders
Which disorder is characterized by the client's misinterpretation of physical sensations or feelings? Somatic disorder Factitious disorder Illness anxiety disorder Conversion disorder
illness anxiety disorder Previously known as hypochondriasis, illness anxiety disorder results in the misinterpretation of physical sensations as evidence of a serious illness. Illness anxiety can be quite obsessive, because thoughts about illness may be intrusive and difficult to dismiss, even when the patient recognizes that his or her fears are unrealistic. REF: 325
Which nursing diagnosis should be investigated for clients with somatoform disorders? Deficient fluid volume Self-care deficit Ineffective coping Delayed growth and development
ineffective coping Soma is the Greek word for "body," and somatization is the expression of psychological stress through physical symptoms. REF: 324, 333
A physician describes a client as "malingering." The nurse knows this means that the client is falsely claiming to have symptoms. experiences symptoms that cannot be explained medically. experiences symptoms that have a physiological basis. is seeking medication to ease pain of psychological origin.
is falsely claiming to have symptoms Malingering is a consciously motivated act to deceive based on the desire for material gain.REF: 337
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 9. A nurse assessing a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder is most likely to note that the patient: a. sees a relationship between symptoms and interpersonal conflicts. b. has little difficulty communicating emotional needs to others. c. rarely derives personal benefit from the symptoms. d. has altered comfort and activity needs.
D The patient frequently has altered comfort and activity needs associated with the symptoms displayed (fatigue, insomnia, weakness, tension, pain, etc.). In addition, hygiene, safety, and security needs may also be compromised. The patient is rarely able to see a relation between symptoms and events in his or her life, which is readily discernible to health professionals. Patients with somatic symptom disorders often derive secondary gain from their symptoms and/or have considerable difficulty identifying feelings and conveying emotional needs to others. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 325-326 | Page 338 (Nursing Care Plan 17-1) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 12. Which comment by a patient who recently experienced a myocardial infarction indicates use of maladaptive, ineffective coping strategies? a. "My employer should have paid for a health club membership for me." b. "My family will see me through this. It won't be easy, but I will never be alone." c. "My heart attack was no fun, but it showed me up the importance of a good diet and more exercise." d. "I accept that I have heart disease. Now I need to decide if I will be able to continue my work daily."
A Blaming someone else and rationalizing one's failure to exercise are not adaptive coping strategies. Seeing the glass as half full, using social and religious supports, and confronting one's situation are seen as more effective strategies. The distracters demonstrate effective coping associated with a serious medical condition. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 326-327 | Page 331 | Page 334-335 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Physiological Integrity 20. Which assessment question could a nurse ask to help identify secondary gains associated with a somatic symptom disorder? a. "What are you unable to do now but were previously able to do?" b. "How many doctors have you seen in the last year?" c. "Who do you talk to when you're upset?" d. "Did you experience abuse as a child?"
A Secondary gains should be assessed. Secondary gains reinforce maladaptive behavior. The patient's dependency needs may be evident through losses of abilities. When secondary gains are prominent, the patient is more resistant to giving up the symptom. There may be a history of abuse or doctor shopping, but the question does not assess the associated gains. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 329 | Page 331 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Safe, Effective Care Environment 2. Which presentations suggest the possibility of a factitious disorder, self-directed type? Select all that apply. a. History of multiple hospitalizations without findings of physical illness b. History of multiple medical procedures or exploratory surgeries c. Going from one doctor to another seeking the desired response d. Claims illness to obtain financial benefit or other incentive e. Difficulty describing symptoms
A, B Persons with factitious disorders, self-directed type, typically have a history of multiple hospitalizations and medical workups, with negative findings from workups. Sometimes they have even had multiple surgeries seeking the origin of the physical complaints. If they do not receive the desired response from a hospitalization, they may elope or accuse staff of incompetence. Such persons usually seek treatment through a consistent health care provider rather than doctor-shopping, are not motivated by financial gain or other external incentives, and present symptoms in a very detailed, plausible manner indicating considerable understanding of the disorder or presentation they are mimicking. See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 337-338 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 4. A nurse assesses a patient suspected of having somatic symptom disorder. Which assessment findings regarding this patient support the suspected diagnosis? Select all that apply. a. Female b. Reports frequent syncope c. Rates pain as "1" on a scale of "10" d. First diagnosed with psoriasis at age 12 e. Reports insomnia often results from back pain
A, B, E There is no chronic disease to explain the symptoms for patients with somatic symptom disorder. Patients report multiple symptoms; gastrointestinal and pseudoneurological symptoms are common. This disorder is more common in women than in men. Patients with conversion disorder would have a tendency to underrate pain. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 325-326 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 5. A nurse's neighbor says, "I saw a news story about a man without any known illness who died suddenly after his ex-wife committed suicide. Was that a coincidence, or can emotional shock be fatal?" The nurse should respond by noting that some serious medical conditions may be complicated by emotional stress, including: (select all that apply) a. cancer. b. hip fractures. c. hypertension. d. immune disorders. e. cardiovascular disease.
A, C, D, E A number of diseases can be worsened or brought to awareness by intense emotional stress. Immune disorders can be complicated associated with detrimental effects of stress on the immune system. Others can be brought about indirectly, such as cardiovascular disease due to acute or chronic hypertension. Hip fractures are not in this group. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 326-327 (Table 17-1) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 3. A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "Why has God chosen me to be sick all the time and unable to provide for my family? The burden on my family is worse than the pain I bear." Which nursing diagnoses apply to this patient? Select all that apply. a. Spiritual distress b. Decisional conflict c. Adult failure to thrive d. Impaired social interaction e. Ineffective role performance
A, E The patient's verbalization is consistent with spiritual distress. The patient's description of being unable to provide for and burdening the family indicates ineffective role performance. No data support diagnoses of adult failure to thrive, impaired social interaction, or decisional conflict. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 329-333 (Table 17-3) TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis
Therapeutic intervention for a client with a somatoform disorder would include steering conversation away from the client's feelings. conveying an interest in the client rather than in the symptoms. encouraging the client to use benzodiazepines liberally. encouraging the client to rely on the nurse to meet the client's needs.
conveying an interest in the client rather than in the symptoms. When the nurse focuses on the client rather than on the symptoms, the client's self-worth and coping skills are enhanced. REF: 337; Table 17-4
MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Which assessment data would help the health care team distinguish symptoms of conversion (functional neurological) disorder from symptoms of illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)? a. Voluntary control of symptoms c. Results of diagnostic testing b. Patient's style of presentation d. The role of secondary gains
B Patients with illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) tend to be more anxious about their concerns and display more obsessive attention to detail, whereas the patient with conversion (functional neurological) disorder often exhibits less concern with the symptom they are presenting than would be expected. Neither disorder involves voluntary control of the symptoms. Results of diagnostic testing for both would be negative (i.e., no physiological basis would be found for the symptoms). Secondary gains can occur in both disorders but are not necessary to either. See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 325-327 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 4. A patient has blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder but is unconcerned about this problem. Which understanding should guide the nurse's planning for this patient? a. The patient is suppressing accurate feelings regarding the problem. b. The patient's anxiety is relieved through the physical symptom. c. The patient's optic nerve transmission has been impaired. d. The patient will not disclose genuine fears.
B Psychoanalytical theory suggests conversion reduces anxiety through production of a physical symptom symbolically linked to an underlying conflict. Conversion, not suppression, is the operative defense mechanism in this disorder. While some MRI studies suggest that patients with conversion disorder have an abnormal pattern of cerebral activation, there is no actual alternation of nerve transmission. The other distracters oversimplify the dynamics, suggesting that only dependency needs are of concern, or suggest conscious motivation (conversion operates unconsciously). See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 325-326 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 11. A patient with a somatic symptom disorder has the nursing diagnosis Interrupted family processes related to patient's disabling symptoms as evidenced by spouse and children assuming roles and tasks that previously belonged to patient. An appropriate outcome is that the patient will: a. assume roles and functions of other family members. b. demonstrate performance of former roles and tasks. c. focus energy on problems occurring in the family. d. rely on family members to meet personal needs.
B The patient with a somatic symptom disorder has typically adopted a sick role in the family, characterized by dependence. Increasing independence and resumption of former roles are necessary to change this pattern. The distracters are inappropriate outcomes. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 325-326 | Page 338 (Nursing Care Plan 17-1) TOP: Nursing Process: Outcomes Identification
Studies have shown a correlation between mental disorders and medical conditions such as psoriasis. asthma. renal failure. cancer.
cancer Studies in recent years have contributed to the growing body of evidence indicating a link between mental disorders and medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. REF: 326
Emily asks you what kind of therapy will help her. Your best response, based on current knowledge, is: "A combination of antianxiety and antidepressant therapy is the most effective therapy." "Aversion therapy is often used because in effect you are punishing yourself by not being able to walk." "Modeling will be used; as you see desired behaviors modeled by the therapist you will be able to also achieve the expected outcome." "Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to consistently provide the best outcome for these types of disorders."
"Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to consistently provide the best outcome for these types of disorders." Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most consistently supported treatment for the full spectrum of somatic disorders. All the other options are incorrect and do not describe the most used and effective therapy for this disorder. Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis) Nursing Process: Planning NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity Text page: 336
What statement by a client would indicate that goals for treatment for a somatization disorder are being achieved? "I feel less anxiety than before." "My memory is better than it was a month ago." "I take my medications just as the physician prescribed." "I don't think about my symptoms all the time as I used to."
"I don't think about my symptoms all the time as I used to." his statement indicates that the client's preoccupation with the physical symptom has decreased, a highly desirable outcome. REF: Page 329 (Considering culture box)
An example of a somatoform disorder is depersonalization. dissociative fugue. conversion disorder. dissociative identity disorder.
conversion disorder Somatic disorders include conversion disorders that are functional neurological disorders. REF: 325-326
A woman suddenly finds she cannot see. She seems unconcerned about her symptom and tells her husband, "Don't worry, dear. Things will all work out." Her attitude is an example of regression. depersonalization. la belle indifference. dissociative amnesia.
la belle indifference La belle indifference is an attitude of unconcern about a symptom that is unconsciously used to lower anxiety. REF: Page 325-326
Which behavior by a client would not support a diagnosis of somatoform disorder? Attention seeking from significant others Acquiring financial gain from a disability plan Avoidance of certain unpleasant activities Performing activities of daily living unassisted
Performing activities of daily living unassisted Somatic symptoms are reinforced by situations in which there is some sort of "payoff" for the client, such as attention, financial gain, avoidance of unpleasant situations, or getting dependent needs met. Performing activities of daily living unassisted would have no payoff of the sort mentioned. REF: Page 328
Which statement made by a client would support the diagnosis of hypochondriasis? "I feel confused and disoriented." "I feel as though I'm outside my body watching what is happening." "I know I have cancer, but the doctors just cannot find it." "I woke up one morning, and my left leg was paralyzed from the knee down."
"I know I have cancer, but the doctors just cannot find it." Hypochondriasis is characterized by the persistent belief that one has a serious medical condition despite lack of evidence to prove this. REF: Page 325
Emily is a veteran returning from Iraq. Ever since Emily participated in a village raid where explosives were used, she has been unable to walk. All diagnostic testing has been negative for any physical abnormalities, and she was diagnosed with conversion disorder. She asks you what that means. Your best response would be: "Your legs don't work because your brain is screwed up." "Your emotional distress is being expressed as a physical symptom." "You are making up your symptoms as a cry for help." "You are overly anxious about having a severe illness."
"Your emotional distress is being expressed as a physical symptom." Conversion disorder is attributed to channeling of emotional conflicts or stressors into physical symptoms. Telling the patient her brain is "screwed up" is unprofessional and does not give any useful education. Symptoms of conversion disorder are not within the patient's voluntary control. Being overly anxious about having a severe illness describes illness anxiety disorder. Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) Nursing Process: Implementation NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity Text page: 325-326
The most likely client to initially demonstrate behaviors suggesting a somatic disorder is a 13-year-old male 23-year-old female 33-year-old male 43-year-old female
23-year-old female The predominance of women with somatization is significant. It has been proposed that women are more aware of their bodily sensations, have different health-seeking behaviors when faced with physical and psychological distress, and use more health care services than men. In particular, young women aged 16 to 25 are more likely to receive a somatic diagnosis than men or older individuals. REF: 325
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 13. A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with conversion (functional neurological) disorder. Which comment is most likely from this patient? a. "Since my father died, I've been short of breath and had sharp pains that go down my left arm, but I think it's just indigestion." b. "I have daily problems with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. My skin is very dry, and I think I'm getting seriously dehydrated." c. "Sexual intercourse is painful. I pretend as if I'm asleep so I can avoid it. I think it's starting to cause problems with my marriage." d. "I get choked very easily and have trouble swallowing when I eat. I think I might have cancer of the esophagus."
A Patients with conversion (functional neurological) disorder demonstrate a lack of concern regarding the seriousness of symptoms. This lack of concern is termed "la belle indifférence." There is also a specific, identifiable cause for the development of the symptoms; in this instance, the death of a parent would precipitate stress. The distracters relate to sexual dysfunction and illness anxiety disorder. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 325-326 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 14. A patient who experienced a myocardial infarction was transferred from critical care to a step-down unit. The patient then used the call bell every 15 minutes for minor requests and complaints. Staff nurses reported feeling inadequate and unable to satisfy the patient's needs. When the nurse manager intervenes directly with this patient, which comment is most therapeutic? a. "I'm wondering if you are feeling anxious about your illness and being left alone." b. "The staff are concerned that you are not satisfied with the care you are receiving." c. "Let's talk about why you use your call light so frequently. It is a problem." d. "You frustrate the staff by calling them so often. Why are you doing that?"
A This patient is experiencing anxiety associated with a serious medical condition. Verbalization is an effective outlet for anxiety. "I'm wondering if you are anxious..." focuses on the emotions underlying the behavior rather than the behavior itself. This opening conveys the nurse's willingness to listen to the patient's feelings and an understanding of the commonly seen concern about not having a nurse always nearby as in the intensive care unit. The other options focus on the behavior or its impact on nursing and do not help the patient with her emotional needs. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 326-327 | Page 331-334 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 15. A patient reports fears of having cervical cancer and says to the nurse, "I've had Pap smears by six different doctors. The results were normal, but I'm sure that's because of errors in the laboratory." Which disorder would the nurse suspect? a. Conversion (functional neurological) disorder b. Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) c. Somatic symptom disorder d. Factitious disorder
B Patients with illness anxiety disorder have fears of serious medical problems, such as cancer or heart disease. These fears persist despite medical evaluations and interfere with daily functioning. There are no complaints of pain. There is no evidence of factitious or conversion disorder. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 325-326 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 3. A medical-surgical nurse works with a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder. Care planning is facilitated by understanding that the patient will probably: a. readily seek psychiatric counseling. b. be resistant to accepting psychiatric help. c. attend psychotherapy sessions without encouragement. d. be eager to discover the true reasons for physical symptoms.
B Patients with somatic symptom disorders go from one health care provider to another trying to establish a physical cause for their symptoms. When a psychological basis is suggested and a referral for counseling offered, these patients reject both. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 325 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 18. A patient says, "I know I have a brain tumor despite the results of the MRI. The radiologist is wrong. People who have brain tumors vomit, and yesterday I vomited all day." Which response by the nurse fosters cognitive reframing? a. "You do not have a brain tumor. The more you talk about it, the more it reinforces your belief." b. "Let's see if there are any other possible explanations for your vomiting." c. "You seem so worried. Let's talk about how you're feeling." d. "We need to talk about something else."
B Questioning the evidence is a cognitive reframing technique. Identifying causes other than the feared disease can be helpful in changing distorted perceptions. Distraction by changing the subject will not be effective. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 331-334 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 5. A patient has blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder. To help the patient eat, the nurse should: a. establish a "buddy" system with other patients who can feed the patient at each meal. b. expect the patient to feed self after explaining arrangement of the food on the tray. c. direct the patient to locate items on the tray independently and feed self. d. address needs of other patients in the dining room, then feed this patient.
B The patient is expected to maintain some level of independence by feeding self, while the nurse is supportive in a matter-of-fact way. The distracters support dependency or offer little support. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 335-336 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 6. A patient with blindness related to conversion (functional neurological) disorder says, "All the doctors and nurses in the hospital stop by often to check on me. Too bad people outside the hospital don't find me as interesting." Which nursing diagnosis is most relevant? a. Social isolation c. Interrupted family processes b. Chronic low self-esteem d. Ineffective health maintenance
B The patient mentions that the symptoms make people more interested. This indicates that the patient feels uninteresting and unpopular without the symptoms, thus supporting the nursing diagnosis of chronic low self-esteem. Defining characteristics for the other nursing diagnoses are not present in the scenario. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 325-326 TOP: Nursing Process: Diagnosis/Analysis
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 2. Which prescription medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed for a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder? a. Narcotic analgesics for use as needed for acute pain b. Antidepressant medications to treat underlying depression c. Long-term use of benzodiazepines to support coping with anxiety d. Conventional antipsychotic medications to correct cognitive distortions
B Various types of antidepressants may be helpful in somatic disorders directly by reducing depressive symptoms and hence somatic responses, but also indirectly by affecting nerve circuits that affect not only mood, but fatigue, pain perception, GI distress, and other somatic symptoms. Patients may benefit from short-term use of anti-anxiety medication (benzodiazepines) but require careful monitoring because of risks of dependence. Conventional antipsychotic medications would not be used, although selected atypical antipsychotics may be useful. Narcotic analgesics are not indicated. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 335-336 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity MULTIPLE RESPONSE 1. A child has a history of multiple hospitalizations for recurrent systemic infections. The child is not improving in the hospital, despite aggressive treatment. Factitious disorder by proxy is suspected. Which nursing interventions are appropriate? Select all that apply. a. Increase private visiting time for the parents to improve bonding. b. Keep careful, detailed records of visitation and untoward events. c. Place mittens on the child to reduce access to ports and incisions. d. Encourage family members to visit in groups of two or three. e. Interact with the patient frequently during visiting hours.
B, D, E Factitious disorder by proxy is a rare condition wherein a person intentionally causes or perpetuates the illness of a loved one (e.g., by periodically contaminating IV solutions with fecal material). When this disorder is suspected, the child's life could be at risk. Depending on the evidence supporting this suspicion, interventions could range from minimizing unsupervised visitation to blocking visitation altogether. Frequently checking on the child during visitation and minimizing unobserved access to the child (by encouraging small group visits) reduces the opportunity to take harmful action and increases the collection of data that can help determine whether this disorder is at the root of the child's illness. Detailed tracking of visitation and untoward events helps identify any patterns there might be between select visitors and the course of the child's illness. Increasing private visitation provides more opportunity for harm. Educating visitors about aseptic techniques would not be of help if the infections are intentional, and preventing inadvertent contamination by the child himself would not affect factitious disorder by proxy. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 337-338 TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 21. A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient says, "Although I'm still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities." The nurse should evaluate the treatment plan as: a. marginally successful. c. partially successful. b. minimally successful. d. totally achieved.
C Decreased preoccupation with symptoms and increased ability to perform activities of daily living suggest partial success of the treatment plan. Total success is rare because of patient resistance. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 333 | Page 337 TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 16. A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "My pain is from an undiagnosed injury. I can't take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family has to help me so much." It is important for the nurse to assess: a. mood. c. secondary gains. b. cognitive style. d. identity and memory.
C Secondary gains should be assessed. The patient's dependency needs may be met through care from the family. When secondary gains are prominent, the patient is more resistant to giving up the symptom. The scenario does not allude to a problem of mood. Cognitive style and identity and memory assessment are of lesser concern because the patient's diagnosis has been established. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 331-333 (Table 17-3) | Page 335 (Table 17-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 7. To assist patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, nursing interventions of high priority: a. explain the pathophysiology of symptoms. b. help these patients suppress feelings of anger. c. shift focus from somatic symptoms to feelings. d. investigate each physical symptom as it is reported.
C Shifting the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings or to neutral topics conveys interest in the patient as a person rather than as a condition. The need to gain attention with the use of symptoms is reduced over the long term. A desired outcome would be that the patient would express feelings, including anger if it is present. Once physical symptoms are investigated, they do not need to be reinvestigated each time the patient reports them. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 333-335 (Table 17-4) TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 19. Which treatment modality should a nurse recommend to help a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder to cope more effectively? a. Flooding c. Relaxation techniques b. Response prevention d. Systematic desensitization
C Somatic symptom disorders are commonly associated with complicated reactions to stress. These reactions are accompanied by muscle tension and pain. Relaxation can diminish the patient's perceptions of pain and reduce muscle tension. The distracters are modalities useful in treating selected anxiety disorders. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 334-335 TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
Which statement about somatoform disorders is true? An organic basis exists for each group of disorders. Nurses perceive clients with these disorders as easy to care for. No relation exists between these disorders and early childhood loss or trauma. Clients lack awareness of the relations among symptoms, anxiety, and conflicts.
Clients lack awareness of the relations among symptoms, anxiety, and conflicts. Somatization disorders are believed to be responses to psychosocial stress, although the patient often shows no insight into the potential stressors. REF: Page 339-340
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 10. To plan effective care for patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, the nurse should understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms: a. are generally chronic. c. can be voluntarily controlled. b. have a physiological basis. d. provide relief from health anxiety.
D At the unconscious level, the patient's primary gain from the symptoms is anxiety relief. Considering that the symptoms actually make the patient more psychologically comfortable and may also provide secondary gain, patients frequently fiercely cling to the symptoms. The symptoms tend to be chronic, but that does not explain why they are difficult to give up. The symptoms are not under voluntary control or physiologically based. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 325-326 | Page 338 (Nursing Care Plan 17-1) TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 8. A patient with fears of serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist. Extensive diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, "My chest is tight, and my heart misses beats. I'm often absent from work. I don't go out much because I need to rest." Which health problem is most likely? a. Dysthymic disorder b. Somatic symptom disorder c. Antisocial personality disorder d. Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
D Illness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis) involves preoccupation with fears of having a serious disease even when evidence to the contrary is available. The preoccupation causes impairment in social or occupational functioning. Somatic symptom disorder involves fewer symptoms. Dysthymic disorder is a disorder of lowered mood. Antisocial disorder applies to a personality disorder in which the individual has little regard for the rights of others. See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) REF: Page 325-326 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity 17. What is an essential difference between somatic symptom disorders and factitious disorders? a. Somatic symptom disorders are under voluntary control, whereas factitious disorders are unconscious and automatic. b. Factitious disorders are precipitated by psychological factors, whereas somatic symptom disorders are related to stress. c. Factitious disorders are individually determined and related to childhood sexual abuse, whereas somatic symptom disorders are culture bound. d. Factitious disorders are under voluntary control, whereas somatic symptom disorders involve expression of psychological stress through somatization.
D The key is the only fully accurate statement. Somatic symptom disorders involve expression of stress through bodily symptoms and are not under voluntary control or culture bound. Factitious disorders are under voluntary control. See relationship to audience response question. PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) REF: Page 325-326 | Page 337-338 TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
What would be an appropriate expected outcome of Emily's treatment plan? Emily will walk unassisted within 1 week. Emily will return to a pre-illness level of functioning within 2 weeks. Emily will be able to state two new effective coping skills within 2 weeks. Emily will assume full self-care within 3 weeks.
Emily will be able to state two new effective coping skills within 2 weeks. An appropriate outcome for somatization disorders is to be aware of negative coping strategies and learn new, effective skills for coping within a realistic timeframe. In the other options, the time frames of these outcomes are unrealistic. Cognitive Level: Apply (Application) Nursing Process: Outcome Identification NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity Text page: 331
Shane, aged 23 years, is admitted to your medical-surgical unit with complaints of abdominal pain, dizziness, and headaches. Results of a physical workup have been negative so far. Today Shane tells you, "Now I am having back pain." Which of the following in Shane's medical record may alert you to the possibility of malingering? (select all that apply): Shane has a court date this week for drunk driving. Shane was adopted at the age of 5 years. Shane has a history of physical abuse by his stepfather. Shane has a history of oppositional-defiant disorder. Shane was raised primarily by his mother.
Shane has a court date this week for drunk driving Shane has a history of physical abuse by his stepfather Malingering is a process of fabricating an illness or exaggerating symptoms to gain a desired benefit or avoid something undesired, such as to obtain prescription medications, evade military service, or evade legal action. It is more common in men, those who have been neglected or abused in childhood, and those who have had frequent childhood hospitalizations. Adoption is not known to be a causative factor in malingering. A history of oppositional-defiant disorder is not known to a causative factor in malingering. Being raised in a single parent home or by a primarily female influence is not known to be a causative factor in malingering. Cognitive Level: Analyze (Analysis) Nursing Process: Diagnosis NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity Text page: 337
A class of medications commonly prescribed for somatic disorders is mood stabilizers. antidepressants. anxiolytics. antipsychotics.
anxiolytics Primary care providers prescribe anxiolytic agents for patients who seem highly anxious and concerned about their symptoms. Individuals experiencing many somatic complaints often become dependent on medication to relieve pain or anxiety or to induce sleep. REF: 333
In somatization disorders, it is important for the nurse to employ holistic strategies. This can be defined as: utilizing many different therapeutic strategies or modalities for enhanced coping. involving every member of the family as well as the patient in treatment. incorporating spirituality and religion into treatment. considering all dimensions of the patient, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural.
considering all dimensions of the patient, including biological, psychological, and sociocultural. It is important to use a holistic approach in nursing care so that we may address the multidimensional interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural needs and its effects on the somatization process. All nurses need to be aware of the influence of environment, stress, individual lifestyle, and coping skills of each patient. The other options do not explain the concept of holistic care. Cognitive Level: Understand (Comprehension) Nursing Process: Planning NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity Text page: 325
Which item of data should be routinely gathered during assessment of a client with a somatoform disorder? Potential for violence Level of confusion Dependence on medication Personal identity disturbance
dependence on medication Many clients with somatoform disorder have received prescription medication for anxiety or pain relief and may have developed dependence. Assess not only for what the client has taken, but also for amounts and length of time over which the drugs have been prescribed. REF: Page 336
The primary difference between a factitious disorder and other somatic disorders is that factitious disorders respond well to confrontation as a primary therapeutic technique. have a symptomatology that is actually controlled by the client. have their origins in depression and anxiety. are always self-directed.
have a symptomatology that is actually controlled by the client. Factitious disorders, in contrast to other somatic disorders, are under conscious control. REF: Page 331-332
When caring for a client demonstrating the inability to provide effective self-care, the nurse identifies the level of self-care the client is willing to perform and sets expectations accordingly. initially sets only minimal self-care expectations for the client. attends to all self-care needs until the client indicates a willingness to perform care independently. identifies the client's highest level of self-care and states reasonable expectations to the client.
identifies the client's highest level of self-care and states reasonable expectations to the client. In general, interventions involve the use of a matter-of-fact approach to support the highest level of self-care the client can perform. For clients manifesting paralysis, blindness, or severe fatigue, an effective nursing approach is to support the client while expecting the individual to feed, bathe, or groom himself or herself. REF: 335
Providing care to a client diagnosed with a somatization disorder can be frustrating owing to the client's lack of an organic illness. In order to best manage this barrier to care the staff will regularly discuss their feelings about the client during the unit's interprofessional care meetings. be required to attend in-services that focus on the various aspects of somatic disorders. rotate care of the client among the entire nursing department staff to minimize the frustration. provide a unified approach to the client's behavior so as to manage and lessen the barrier itself.
regularly discuss their feelings about the client during the unit's interprofessional care meetings. It is helpful for health care workers, no matter the setting, to discuss responses to these patients in conferences with other health care members to allow for expression of feelings and, ultimately, to provide for consistent care. REF: Page 331-332
The wife of a client diagnosed with hypochondriasis tells the nurse, "It is so difficult! Whenever we make plans my husband says he is too ill to go. I don't know how much longer I can take it." On the basis of this report, the nurse may wish to explore the nursing diagnosis of interrupted family processes. decisional conflict. risk for caregiver role strain. impaired home maintenance.
risk for caregiver role strain Caregiver role strain is defined as caregiver's felt or expressed difficulty in performing the family caregiver role. The statements "It is so difficult" and "I don't know how much longer I can take it" are the clues. REF: Page 333 (Table 17-3)
When discussing somatic disorders from a cultural perspective, it is true that somatic disorders are rarely observed in males. somatic symptoms vary widely from culture to culture. underdeveloped countries rarely tolerate somatic disorders. secondary gain is seldom a factor in somatic disorders.
somatic symptoms vary widely from culture to culture. The type and frequency of somatic symptoms vary across cultures. REF: 328
Which disorder places the client at highest risk for developing a coexisting substance abuse disorder? Conversion disorder Factitious disorder Somatoform pain disorder Illness anxiety disorder
somatoform pain disorder Clients with pain disorder may use alcohol or other central nervous system depressants or anxiolytic drugs to self-medicate. REF: Page 16-17
