A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with somatic symptom ...

[penza]

A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. What predominant symptoms should a nurse expect to assess?
 
  A. Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of one's symptoms
  B. Amnestic episodes in which the client is pain free
  C. Excessive time spent discussing psychosocial stressors
  D. Lack of physical symptoms

Question 2

A client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder is most likely to exhibit which personality disorder characteristics?
 
  A. Uses splitting and manipulation in relationships
  B. Is socially irresponsible, exploitative, and guiltless and disregards rights of others
  C. Expresses heightened emotionality, seductiveness, and strong dependency needs
  D. Uncomfortable in social situations; perceived as timid, withdrawn, cold, and strange

[brittrenee]

Answer to Question 1

A
The primary focus in somatic symptom disorder is on physical symptoms that suggest medical disease but which have no basis in organic pathology. Although the symptoms are associated with psychosocial distress, the individual focuses on the seriousness of the physical symptoms rather than the underlying psychosocial issues.

Answer to Question 2

C
It has been suggested that in somatic symptom disorder, there may be some overlapping of personality characteristics and features associated with histrionic personality disorder. These features include heightened emotionality, impressionistic thought and speech, seductiveness, strong dependency needs, and a preoccupation with symptoms and oneself. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by the expression of multiple somatic complaints associated with psychosocial distress and without medical basis.