Author Question: A nurse assesses a patient suspected of having somatic symptom disorder. Which assessment findings ... (Read 83 times)

leilurhhh · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse assesses a patient suspected of having somatic symptom disorder. Which assessment findings regarding this patient support the suspected diagnosis? Select all that apply.

a. Female
b. Reports frequent syncope
c. Rates pain as 1 on a scale of 10
d. First diagnosed with psoriasis at age 12
e. Reports insomnia often results from back pain

Question 2

A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient says, Although I'm still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities. The nurse should evaluate the treatment plan as:

a. marginally successful.
b. minimally successful.
c. partially successful.
d. totally achieved.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A, B, E
There is no chronic disease to explain the symptoms for patients with somatic symptom disorder. Patients report multiple symptoms; gastrointestinal and pseudoneurological symptoms are common. This disorder is more common in women than in men. Patients with conversion disorder would have a tendency to underrate pain.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Decreased preoccupation with symptoms and increased ability to perform activities of daily living suggest partial success of the treatment plan. Total success is rare because of patient resistance.