A nurse is assessing a client who has a diagnosis of conversion disorder. Which of the following is an expected finding?

Choice A rationale:

Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder become preoccupied with an imagined or slight defect in their appearance, often to the point of significant distress and impairment in functioning.

They may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, repeatedly check their appearance in mirrors, or avoid social situations due to their appearance concerns.

While individuals with GAD may also experience concerns about their physical appearance, these concerns are typically not as severe or pervasive as those seen in body dysmorphic disorder.

Choice B rationale:

Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a hallmark feature of GAD.

Individuals with GAD often experience excessive worry about a variety of things, including health, finances, relationships, and work.

This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.

The worry is typically difficult to control and can significantly interfere with daily life.

Choice C rationale:

Sudden unexplained loss of vision without a physical medical explanation is not a common symptom of GAD. It may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, such as a stroke or a neurological disorder.

It is important to rule out any potential medical causes before attributing a symptom like this to GAD.

Choice D rationale:

Prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months may be a stressful life event that could contribute to the development of GAD.

However, it is not a specific symptom of GAD.

Many people experience stressful life events without developing GAD.

The presence of other symptoms, such as excessive worry and physical symptoms, is necessary for a diagnosis of GAD.

Choice A rationale: Potassium level A therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa would be indicated by a normal potassium level. Anorexia nervosa often leads to electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels, due to inadequate food intake and, in some cases, purging behaviors. Therefore, a normal potassium level can indicate that the client is responding well to the treatment plan, as it suggests they are maintaining a more balanced diet and managing their symptoms effectively.

Choice B rationale: Temperature While body temperature can be affected by severe malnutrition, it is not a specific indicator of a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor, it is not a definitive sign of improvement or recovery.

Choice C rationale: ECG report An ECG report can indicate a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. This is because anorexia nervosa can lead to heart problems such as abnormal heart rhythms. Therefore, a normal ECG report can suggest that the client’s heart health is improving, which can be a sign that they are responding well to the treatment plan.

Choice D rationale: BUN level While the BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) level can provide information about hydration status and kidney function, it is not a specific indicator of a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. Therefore, while it’s important to monitor, it is not a definitive sign of improvement or recovery.

Choice E rationale: BMI BMI (Body Mass Index) is a key indicator of a therapeutic response to the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a significantly low body weight, and one of the main goals of treatment is weight restoration. Therefore, an increase in BMI can indicate that the client is gaining weight and responding well to the treatment plan.