Author Question: Carly has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. As the nurse is talking with Carly and her ... (Read 115 times)

evelyn o bentley · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Carly has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. As the nurse is talking with Carly and her family, which of the following statements suggest primary or secondary gains that the physical symptoms are providing for the client?

A. The family agrees that Carly began having physical symptoms after she lost her job.
B. Carly states that even though medical tests have not found anything wrong, she is convinced her headaches are indicative of a brain tumor.
C. Carly's mother reports that someone from the family stays with Carly each night because the physical symptoms are incapacitating.
D. Carly states she noticed feeling hotter than usual the last time she had a headache.

Question 2

Which would be considered an appropriate outcome when planning care for an inpatient client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder?

A. The client will admit to fabricating physical symptoms to gain benefits by day 3
B. The client will list three potential adaptive coping strategies to deal with stress by day 2
C. The client will comply with medical treatments for physical symptoms by day 3
D. The client will openly discuss physical symptoms with staff by day 4

Laurenleakan · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
It is important for the nurse to identify gains that the symptoms might be providing for the client, since these can reinforce illness behavior. Having family attend to the patient when she is symptomatic could reinforce increased dependency and attention needs.

Answer to Question 2

B
The nurse should determine that an appropriate outcome for a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder would be for the client to list three potential adaptive coping strategies to deal with stress by day 2 . Because the symptoms of somatic symptom disorder are associated with psychosocial distress, increasing coping skills may help the client reduce symptoms.