Which assessment question could a nurse ask to help identify ...

[vHAUNG6011]

Which assessment question could a nurse ask to help identify secondary gains associated with a somatic symptom disorder?
 
  a. What are you unable to do now but were previously able to do?
  b. How many doctors have you seen in the last year?
  c. Who do you talk to when you're upset?
  d. Did you experience abuse as a child?

Question 2

Which treatment modality should a nurse recommend to help a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder to cope more effectively?
 
  a. Flooding
  b. Response prevention
  c. Relaxation techniques
  d. Systematic desensitization

[mcni194]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Secondary gains should be assessed. Secondary gains reinforce maladaptive behavior. The patient's dependency needs may be evident through losses of abilities. When secondary gains are prominent, the patient is more resistant to giving up the symptom. There may be a history of abuse or doctor shopping, but the question does not assess the associated gains.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Somatic symptom disorders are commonly associated with complicated reactions to stress. These reactions are accompanied by muscle tension and pain. Relaxation can diminish the patient's perceptions of pain and reduce muscle tension. The distracters are modalities useful in treating selected anxiety disorders.