After educating a group of nurses about somatic symptom disorder ...

[Bernana]

After educating a group of nurses about somatic symptom disorder (SSD), an instructor determines that the education was successful when the group identifies which of the following as a characteristic?
 
  A) Symptoms that remain relatively static
  B) Manifestations highly variable
  C) Symptoms that are easily manageable
  D) Reports of overall health as good

Question 2

A client with somatic symptom disorder is complaining of significant pain in the joints. When providing care to this client, which of the following would be most important for a nurse to keep in mind?
 
  A) Opioid analgesics are the primary mode of therapy.
  B) The client's experience of pain is real.
  C) Complementary therapies are usually of little benefit.
  D) Outcomes need to reflect the biologic aspects of the pain.

[fwbard]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
SSD is one of the most difficult disorders to manage because the symptoms tend to change, are diffuse and complex, and vary/move from one body system to another. For example, initially there may be gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) and neurologic (headache, backache) symptoms that change to musculoskeletal (aching legs) and sexual issues (pain in the abdomen, pain during intercourse). The physical symptoms may last for 69 months. Individuals with SSD perceive themselves as being sicker than the sick and report all aspects of their health as poor.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Even though there is no medical explanation for the pain, the client's pain is real and has serious psychosocial implications. Aggressive pharmacologic treatment of the symptoms must be avoided. Nonpharmacologic strategies, including complementary and alternative treatments, should be used to assist in pain relief. Outcomes developed need to avoid focusing on the biologic aspects of the disorder and instead help the client overcome the pain through biopsychosocial approaches.

[Bernana]

Thank you

[fwbard]

No problemo