A nurse is working with a client who is displaying disproportionate fear of having cancer. The nurse notes the client is seeking out medical care more frequently, has high anxiety, and believes they have cancer, despite no medical evidence to support this. Which of the following disorders is the client likely experiencing?
Somatic symptom disorder
Factitious disorder
Functional neurological symptom disorder
Illness anxiety disorder
The Correct Answer is D
A. Somatic symptom disorder. This disorder involves excessive concern over physical symptoms that are actually present, even if they are mild. In contrast, illness anxiety disorder is characterized by intense fear of having a serious illness despite the absence of significant physical symptoms.
B. Factitious disorder. Factitious disorder involves deliberately fabricating or inducing symptoms to assume the sick role. In illness anxiety disorder, the client genuinely believes they are ill but does not intentionally create symptoms.
C. Functional neurological symptom disorder. This condition, previously called conversion disorder, involves neurological symptoms (e.g., paralysis, blindness) that cannot be explained by medical findings. Unlike illness anxiety disorder, these symptoms are involuntary and not focused on a fear of disease.
D. Illness anxiety disorder. This disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, involves excessive worry about having a severe illness despite little or no medical evidence. The client’s persistent health-related anxiety and frequent medical visits align with this diagnosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","F"]
Explanation
A. "Smoking during pregnancy can place the child at an increased risk for developing anger and aggression." This statement reflects an understanding of how prenatal exposure to harmful substances can affect a child's development and increase the risk of aggressive behaviors later in life.
B. "Clients who live in areas of high pollution are at an increased risk for developing anger and aggression." Research indicates that environmental factors, including pollution, can have negative effects on mental health and behavior, potentially leading to increased aggression.
C. "Families who have financial hardships are at an increased risk for developing anger and aggression." Financial stress can contribute to increased tension and conflict within families, which can lead to higher levels of aggression.
D. "Clients who live in areas of high crime are at an increased risk for developing anger and aggression." Living in high-crime areas can create a sense of fear and instability, potentially leading to aggressive behaviors as a coping mechanism or a learned response to the environment.
E. "Clients who live in suburban areas are at an increased risk for developing anger and aggression." This statement does not accurately reflect evidence-based risk factors for aggression, as suburban areas are not generally associated with higher levels of aggression compared to urban or high-crime areas.
F. "Families who live in low-income housing are at an increased risk for developing anger and aggression." Economic stressors associated with low-income housing can lead to increased conflict and aggression within families, making this statement valid.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques. While relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms in somatic symptom disorder, they should not be the first response to a new symptom like chest pain. The nurse must first rule out a medical cause before assuming the pain is psychological.
B. Reassure the client that pain is an expected part of their disorder. Assuming that the pain is purely psychosomatic without assessing for a potential medical emergency could lead to a delay in necessary treatment. Each new symptom should be evaluated independently.
C. Explain to the client that the pain is not real. The pain experienced by clients with somatic symptom disorder is real to them, even if a physical cause is not found. Dismissing their symptoms can damage trust and discourage them from reporting future concerns.
D. Assess the client's vital signs. Any new report of chest pain should be taken seriously, regardless of the client’s psychiatric history. Assessing vital signs ensures that a potential cardiac event or other medical issue is not overlooked before considering psychological factors.
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