When a client is admitted with a diagnosis of somatoform ...

[kaid0807]

When a client is admitted with a diagnosis of somatoform disorder, the nurse would expect to assess for:
 
  1. Structural abnormalities
  2. Problems beginning after age 30
  3. Symptoms explainable as general medical disorders
  4. Complaints relating to multiple organ systems

Question 2

To differentiate between somatoform and conversion disorders, the nurse will direct assessment to ascertain the presence of the critical defining factor associated with conversion disorderthat is, the symptom:
 
  1. Cannot be accounted for by a medical condition
  2. Is limited to pain or sexual function
  3. Is precipitated by psychological factors
  4. Is intentionally feigned

[kaillie]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 4
DSM-IV-TR criteria note involvement of multiple organ systems such as GI, reproductive, and neurological 1. Structural abnormality is not associated with somatoform disorder. 2. Problems begin before age 30 with somatoform disorder. 3. In a somatoform disorder, symptoms are not explained by general medical disorders.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
Symbolic psychological factors are identified as being related to the onset or exacerbation of a conversion symptom. 1. This is also true of somatization disorder. 2. The symptom is not limited to pain or sexual function. 4. The symptom is not under voluntary control.