Question: Which patient statement best supports the diagnosis of somatic disorders?
Answer Choices: a. “I can’t do much because of the severe pain.” b. “I feel as if I’m living in a fuzzy dream state.” c. “I feel like different parts of my body are at war.” d. “I feel very anxious and worried about my problems.”
Answer: a
Question: A college student reports that, “My vision is too blurry to read effectively, especially when it’s time to be studying for a test.” Which health problem should be considered initially?
Answer Choices: a. Malingering b. Illness anxiety c. Factitious disorder d. Functional neurological disorder
Answer: a
Question: A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with functional neurological (conversion) disorder. Which comment best supports this diagnosis?
Answer Choices: a. “Since my father died, I’ve been short of breath and had sharp pains that go down my left arm, but I think it’s just indigestion.” b. “I have daily problems with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. My skin is very dry and I think I’m getting severely dehydrated.” c. “Sexual intercourse is painful. I get irritated as if I’m asleep so I can avoid it. I think it’s starting to cause problems in my marriage.” d. “I have cancer of the esophagus.”
Answer: a
Question: An adult diagnosed with conversion (functional neurobiological symptom) disorder says, “Our family has gotten along over the years by working together. My partner cooks and the children clean house.” Understanding of this disorder will provide what rationalization for this statement?
Answer Choices: a. Patient is receiving secondary gains from the symptoms. b. Patient has problems with sexual identity and satisfaction. c. Patient will be resistant to developing a trusting relationship. d. Patient will benefit from confrontation about physical complaints.
Answer: a
Question: Instructions concerning what stress management technique should be included in the care plan of a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder?
Answer Choices: a. Mindful awareness b. Positive self-talk c. Take a time out d. Meditation
Answer: d
Question: For a patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder, what statement would effectively complete the long-term outcome of “Within 4 weeks, the patient will demonstrate an ability to?”
Answer Choices: a. Function independently on a basic level.” b. Verbalizing independence and emotional safety.” c. Regularly attending prescribed diversional activity groups.” d. Identifying personal coping patterns that are proving to be ineffective.”
Answer: d
Question: A patient has been diagnosed with a somatic symptoms disorder after various testing has failed to confirm a physiological cause for the patient’s reports of back pain. What intervention by the nurse demonstrates the appropriate response when the patient continues to monopolize the group discussion with about back pain?
Answer Choices: a. Acknowledge the presence of pain but then redirect to another topic. b. Offer to discuss the back pain with the patient after the group session is over. c. In a matter-of-fact manner tell the patient that their pain is somatic in nature. d. Offer to discuss additional pain medication with the patient’s health care provider.
Answer: a
Question: A nurse physically assessing a patient diagnosed with somatic disorder should understand that which intervention is the priority?
Answer Choices: a. Provide a thorough physical examination. b. Avoid detailed discussion of the reported complaints. c. Avoid suggesting the appropriateness of any medical testing. d. Focus on both prescribed and OTC medications the client is taking.
Answer: a
Question: A patient reporting stomach pain says, “I have seen 10 different health care providers but all of them tell me I don’t have stomach cancer.” Which term might be appropriate in describing this report?
Answer Choices: a. Somatic symptom disorder b. Factitious disorder c. Illness anxiety d. Malingering
Answer: c
Question: A patient reports fears of having cervical cancer and says to the nurse, “I’ve had Pap smears by six different doctors. The results are normal, but I’m sure that’s because of errors in the laboratory.” Which disorder would the nurse suspect?
Answer Choices: a. Somatic symptom disorder b. Factitious disorder c. Illness anxiety disorder d. Malingering
Answer: c
Question: A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder says, “I have pain from an undiagnosed injury. I can’t take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family has to help me so much.” It is important for the nurse to conduct what focused assessment?
Answer Choices: a. Mood b. Cognitive style c. Secondary gains d. Identity and memory
Answer: c
Question: What are the causes of somatic system disorders generally related to?
Answer Choices: a. Faulty perceptions of body sensations b. Traumatic childhood events c. Culture-bound phenomena d. Mood instability
Answer: a
Question: What is the primary difference between somatic system disorders and dissociative disorders?
Answer Choices: a. They are under voluntary control b. They are related to resolved stress. c. They are generally strongly cultural bound. d. They are psychological stress expressed through somatic symptoms.
Answer: d
Question: A patient says, “I know I have a brain tumor despite the results of the magnetic resonance image (MRI). The radiologist is wrong. People who have brain tumors vomit, and yesterday I vomited all day.” Which response by the nurse fosters cognitive restructuring?
Answer Choices: a. “You do not have a brain tumor. The more you talk about it, the more it reinforces your illogical thinking.” b. “Let’s see whether any other explanations for your vomiting are possible.” c. “You seem so worried. Let’s talk about how you’re feeling.” d. “We should talk about something else.”
Answer: b
Question: Which treatment modality should a nurse recommend to help a patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder cope more effectively?
Answer Choices: a. Flooding b. Relaxation c. Response prevention d. Systematic desensitization
Answer: b
Question: A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder tells the nurse, “It’s starting again. I feel as though my heart is beating out of my chest and I can’t breathe.” The nurse should provide what response to best address the patient’s symptoms?
Answer Choices: a. “I’ll call your health care provider and see if I can give you a sedative.” b. “Do you think you will feel better with some oxygen?” c. “We’ve talked about how being dramatic is helpful.” d. “Has something happened to make you anxious?”
Answer: d
Question: A patient diagnosed with 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 using what phrase:
Answer Choices: a. minimally effective. b. completely ineffective. c. partially successful. d. totally achieved.
Answer: c
Question: A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder says, “Why has God chosen me to be sick all the time and unable to provide for my family? The burden on my family is worse than the pain I bear.” Which nursing diagnoses apply to this patient? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices: a. Spiritual distress b. Decisional conflict c. Adult failure to thrive d. Impaired social interaction e. Ineffective role performance
Answer: a, e
Question: A nurse assesses a patient suspected to have somatic system disorder. Which findings support the diagnosis? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices: a. Female b. Reports frequent dizziness c. Complains of heavy menstrual bleeding d. First diagnosed with psoriasis at 12 years of age e. Reports of back pain, painful urination and frequent diarrhea
Answer: a, b, e
Question: A patient with a diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder is being assessed. What assessment questions are appropriate and therapeutic in nature? (Select all that apply.)
Answer Choices: a. “Would you consider yourself to be mentally ill?” b. “Do you experience anxiety or extreme sadness?” c. “Have you ever been told that your symptoms are not real?” d. “Are you able to care for yourself and meet your own basic needs?” e. “How do the members of your immediate family react to your illness?”
Answer: b, d, e