A nurse is working with an older adult client who has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following should the nurse consider when working with an older adult who has somatic symptom disorder?
Somatic symptom disorder is usually diagnosed in early childhood.
Somatic symptom disorder is usually underdiagnosed in the older population.
Somatic symptom disorder must be diagnosed before 18 years of age.
Somatic symptom disorder is usually onset in older adulthood.
The Correct Answer is B
B. Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) involves persistent, distressing physical symptoms along with excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to those symptoms. While SSD can occur at any age, it is often underdiagnosed in the older population. Older adults may present with various somatic complaints, which can sometimes be mistaken for age-related physical health issues rather than manifestations of a psychological disorder.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. FNSD involves neurological symptoms that cannot be explained by a medical or neurological condition but are believed to be related to psychological factors. In this case, the client's symptoms of numbness are likely somatic manifestations of underlying psychological distress or conflict.
A. Factitious disorder involves intentionally producing or feigning physical or psychological symptoms for the purpose of assuming the sick role.
B. Dissociative amnesia involves memory loss that is not attributable to neurological conditions or substance use and is often associated with stressful or traumatic events.
C. Depersonalization/derealization disorder involves experiences of detachment from oneself or one's surroundings.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
C. Dementia related to a traumatic brain injury can result in a variety of cognitive and physical impairments. A shuffling gait, characterized by short steps with feet barely leaving the ground, is often associated with Parkinsonian symptoms, which can occur in advanced stages of dementia or as the condition progresses. Therefore, a shuffling gait would indicate worsening of the client's condition.
A. While visual disturbance can occur in individuals with dementia, visual field cuts alone may not necessarily indicate worsening of the condition unless they are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
B. CD4 counts are a measure of immune system function, particularly in relation to HIV/AIDS. Decreased CD4 counts are not typically associated with dementia related to traumatic brain injury and would not be a relevant finding in this context.
D. Chorea is not a common feature of dementia related to traumatic brain injury. The presence of chorea may indicate a different underlying neurological condition or complication
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