A nurse assessing a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom ...

[nramada]

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

Question 2

To assist patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, nursing interventions of high priority:
 
  a. explain the pathophysiology of symptoms.
  b. help these patients suppress feelings of anger.
  c. shift focus from somatic symptoms to feelings.
  d. investigate each physical symptom as it is reported.

[JYan]

Answer to Question 1

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

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Shifting the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings or to neutral topics conveys interest in the patient as a person rather than as a condition. The need to gain attention with the use of symptoms is reduced over the long term. A desired outcome would be that the patient would express feelings, including anger if it is present. Once physical symptoms are investigated, they do not need to be reinvestigated each time the patient reports them.

[nramada]

TYSM

[brbarasa]

Excellent