A client with somatic symptom disorder reports experiencing chest pain to the nurse. Which action should the nurse take?

Administer a PRN analgesic to the client.

Further assess the client's pain and vital signs.

Ask if the client to compare this pain to the pain in the past.

Remind the client that the symptoms are psychological in cause.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Administering a PRN analgesic may provide temporary relief but does not address the need for a comprehensive assessment of the client's condition. It is essential to understand the nature and cause of the chest pain before treating it.

B) Further assessing the client's pain and vital signs is the most appropriate action. This allows the nurse to gather important clinical information that can help determine whether the chest pain is related to a medical condition or is part of the somatic symptom disorder. A thorough assessment is critical in ensuring the client's safety and addressing any potential underlying health issues.

C) Asking the client to compare this pain to past pain can provide context but is not a priority action. The immediate focus should be on assessing the current situation rather than reflecting on past experiences.

D) Reminding the client that the symptoms are psychological in cause can be invalidating and may hinder the therapeutic relationship. It is crucial to approach the client with empathy and understanding, rather than dismissing their experience.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Moving to a quiet area and providing peanut butter with crackers may help address the client’s nutritional needs, but it may not adequately address the client’s agitation and pacing. The immediate priority is to stabilize the client’s behavior before focusing on nutrition.

B) Encouraging the spouse to eat lunch with the client may create an opportunity for social interaction, but it might not be effective in calming the client’s agitation. If the client is already highly agitated, the spouse's presence alone may not help diffuse the situation.

C) Walking with the client to the cafeteria and staying while the client eats is the best intervention at this time. This approach allows the nurse to provide a calming presence and guidance while encouraging the client to eat. It also helps redirect the client's energy and agitation into a structured activity, promoting both physical movement and nutrition, which is crucial after several days without food.

D) Requesting a full lunch tray from the dietary department could provide a more substantial meal; however, it might not address the immediate need for calming the client. If the client remains agitated and loud, it may be challenging to ensure that they can eat peacefully, making this intervention less effective than accompanying the client directly to eat.

A. Provide education on methods to enhance sleep. B. Encourage the client to exercise. C. Teach the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities. D. Suggest that the client develop a list of pleasurable activities.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Providing education on methods to enhance sleep may be helpful, especially since hypersomnia is a symptom. However, simply focusing on sleep does not address the broader functional impairments that the client is experiencing. While improving sleep hygiene can contribute to overall well-being, it is not the most comprehensive approach for facilitating a return to normal functioning.

B) Encouraging the client to exercise can be beneficial, as physical activity is known to have positive effects on mood and energy levels. However, for someone experiencing significant psychomotor retardation and amotivation, initiating an exercise routine can be daunting and may not be the most immediate or effective intervention. A structured approach is often more helpful in these cases.

C) Teaching the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities is likely to be the most effective intervention. Structured activities provide a framework that can help combat psychomotor retardation and amotivation by breaking down tasks into manageable parts. This approach encourages the client to engage in routine, which can gradually enhance motivation and overall functioning, helping them feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

D) Suggesting that the client develop a list of pleasurable activities could provide some motivation, but it may not be sufficient on its own, especially given the client's current level of amotivation. While identifying pleasurable activities is valuable, it is essential to pair this with a structured plan that encourages active participation and accountability, making the structured activities approach more effective in this context.

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A client with somatic symptom disorder reports experiencing chest pain to the nurse. Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

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