Review Questions
1
.
What is the defining feature of somatic symptom disorder?
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the absence of a medical explanation for the client’s physical symptoms
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the presence of chronic pain
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significant focus on physical symptoms to the point of major emotional distress and problems functioning
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the presence of at least one diagnosed chronic medical illness
2
.
What is one risk factor for development of somatic symptom disorder?
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deep denial of a physical cause of distressing symptoms
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a history of substance misuse
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a history of deceptive and manipulative behavior
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a history of schizophrenia
3
.
Why is teaching a client diagnosed with SSD to focus on the “here and now” such an effective strategy?
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It emphasizes the present moment and encourages clients to redirect their attention away from distressing or anxious thoughts to the present experience.
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It reminds clients that they’re fabricating their symptoms for attention.
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It prevents clients from thinking too much about future goals and plans.
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It keeps the clients focused on the overall goal of complete symptom remission.
4
.
What is one of the defining characteristics of functional neurological disorder?
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There is one or more confirmed neurological diagnoses.
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The symptoms being exhibited are not being “faked;” they occur subconsciously.
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It is treatable using traditional neurological therapies.
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It is typically chronic and lifelong.
5
.
How can cultural factors act as risk factors for the development of functional neurological disorder?
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Some cultures forbid physical manifestations of distress.
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They encourage doctor shopping.
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Family members may inadvertently reinforce or encourage symptoms.
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They may encourage the client to seek end-of-life care prematurely.
6
.
What is the term for the sensation of a lump in the throat associated with functional neurological disorder?
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esophageal stricture
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dysphagia
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esophageal narrowing
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globus
7
.
What is one of the main differences between somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and factitious disorder?
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People with SSD need empathy and understanding while those with factitious disorder should be approached with caution.
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Clients with factitious disorder should be encouraged to voice their fears and concerns over illness, while nurses should enforce strict boundaries with clients with SSD.
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The symptoms and distress experienced by clients with SSD are not factitious or feigned, while signs of illness and injury in clients with factitious disorder are purposefully fabricated and/or exaggerated for attention.
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A history of trauma is a risk factor for SSD but not for factitious disorder.
8
.
What is the purpose of enforcing strict boundaries with clients with factitious disorder?
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to limit their access to unnecessary tests and treatments and attempts at manipulative behavior with health-care providers
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to prevent them from seeking care
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to let them know that they are not to be believed
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to cure them of their disorder
9
.
When assessing a client with factitious disorder, what is an important thing to note?
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any sincere feelings that the client may seem to exhibit
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whether or not you agree with what the client states as their medical history
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inconsistencies in their stories
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clients cause health-care providers to lose compassion
10
.
During the admission nursing assessment, what will the nurse identify as risk factors for illness anxiety disorder?
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verbalizing feelings about a job the client has held for the last five years
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expressing fear of fatal disease that interferes with activities of daily living
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stating no other family members have medical problems
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describing a daily schedule that changes as necessary
11
.
Why would persons diagnosed with illness anxiety disorder develop rituals or strict routines?
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to prove their independence in self-care
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to discover a cure for rare diseases
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to gain control and relief from stressors
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to complement medical advice
12
.
What statement by the client would cause the nurse to recognize behaviors associated with illness anxiety disorder?
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“Tara rarely calls me—I don’t hear from her unless she needs money.”
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“Tara texts me daily to ask if I think she has some terrible disease.”
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“I’m concerned about Tara’s friends who seem to party a lot.”
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“I’m sure Tara will continue with her college courses this term.”