To plan effective care for patients with somatic system ...

[asan beg]

To plan effective care for patients with somatic system disorders, the nurse should understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms:
 
  a. Are generally chronic.
  b. Have a physiological basis.
  c. Can be voluntarily controlled.
  d. Provide relief from health anxiety.

Question 2

A nurse assessing a patient with a somatic system disorder is most likely to note that the patient:
 
  a. Readily sees a relationship between symptoms and interpersonal conflicts.
  b. Rarely derives personal benefit from the symptoms.
  c. Has little difficulty communicating emotional needs.
  d. Has altered comfort and activity needs.

[juwms]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 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 a secondary gain, patients frequently and fiercely cling to the symptoms. The symptoms tend to be chronic; however, this does not explain why they are difficult to give up. The symptoms are not under voluntary control or physiologically based.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
The patient frequently has altered comfort and activity needs associated with the symptoms displayed (fatigue, insomnia, weakness, tension, pain). 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 system disorders often derive secondary gain from their symptoms and/or have considerable difficulty identifying feelings and conveying emotional needs to others.