Author Question: Which nursing assessment finding would support a diagnosis of somatoform disorder? a. Patient ... (Read 63 times)

kaid0807 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which nursing assessment finding would support a diagnosis of somatoform disorder?

a. Patient reports a family history of depression
b. The onset of symptoms beginning at age 38
c. An abnormality of the patient's left heart ventricle
d. Complaints of diarrhea and an erratic menstrual cycle

Question 2

To differentiate between somatoform and conversion disorders, the nurse will direct the assessment to determine the presence of the critical defining factor associated with con-version disorder. Which is true about a conversion reaction?

a. Symptoms are generally associated with pain or sexual function.
b. Symptoms are not accounted for by a medical condition.
c. Symptoms are precipitated by psychological factors.
d. Symptoms are under the patient's voluntary control.

macmac · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
The diagnosis of somatization disorder requires that symptoms indicate there is involvement of multiple organ systems (e.g., gastrointestinal, reproductive, neurologic). Structural anoma-lies would indicate a medical problem exists. An early onset of symptoms (prior to age 30) is not recognized as a criterion for the diagnosis. A family history of depression is not a criteri-on for the diagnosis.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Symbolic psychological factors are identified as being related to the onset or exacerbation of a conversion symptom. An absence of a medical cause is present in both the case of conver-sion and somatization disorders. The conversion symptom is not limited to pain or sexual function nor is not under voluntary control.