Author Question: A client complains that despite good medical care, his wife frequently talks about a variety of ... (Read 102 times)

Charlie · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A client complains that despite good medical care, his wife frequently talks about a variety of physical complaints and bodily sensations, including insomnia, anorexia, and pain. The nurse's best response to his concerns is what?

A) From what I understand, your wife has always been a chronic complainer. Is that true?
B) It's part of the anxiety from her illness. It's best to just ignore her complaints.
C) These are symptoms of cancer and should be investigated immediately.
D) These are common complaints as we age; conveying concern and support would be helpful.

Question 2

Which of the following statements best describes the phenomenon of failure to thrive, sometimes diagnosed in the elderly?

A) Failure to thrive is a lack of financial, emotional, and physical stamina experienced in the older adult years.
B) Failure to thrive is a syndrome that includes the elderly person's inability to maintain erection during sexual intercourse.
C) Failure to thrive is commonly diagnosed in elderly individuals who have recently moved from institutional settings into the homes of their children or other caretakers.
D) Failure to thrive is a syndrome that results from disease or stress and includes symptoms of unexplained weight loss and deterioration in functional abilities.

connor417 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: D
Hypochondriasis or preoccupation with one's physical and emotional health resulting in bodily or somatic complaints is common in the elderly client. The aging person is rechanneling stress and anxiety into bodily concerns as he or she assumes the sick role. Support, concern, and interest conveyed to the client serve as secondary gains, reinforcing a sense of control. The caregiver should assess all complaints thoroughly, in a matter-of-fact manner, and avoid stereotyping the person as a chronic complainer.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
A nonspecific condition often seen in elderly clients is referred to as failure to thrive. Also diagnosed in newborns resulting from conditions that interfere with normal metabolism, appetite, and activity, this syndrome occurs in the elderly as a result of systemic disease, acute or chronic illness, or psychological stress. Clinical symptoms include unexplained weight loss, deterioration in mental status and functional ability, and social isolation.