Somatic Disorders

Which of the following are risk factors for developing somatic symptom disorders?

• Childhood Trauma

• Second-degree relatives who have somatic symptoms disorders

• Decreased levels of the neurotransmitter GABA

• Male gender

Which answer best represents the most commonly reported somatic symptoms according to the Patient Health Questionnaire 15?

• Drowsiness

• Headaches

• Abdominal pain

• Hallucinations

• Dizziness

Which group of medications would be appropriate to prescribe to a patient suffering from conversion disorder?

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K.S. is a 20 year old female who came to the E.R. after claiming to have suffered from a seizure. The patient reported an onset of blurred vision and numbness in both of her right arm immediately following the incident. Her vitals signs were stable and within normal limits, she was alert and oriented x 4, and her pupils responsive to light. No abnormalities were noted in her CBC, blood glucose test, comprehensive metabolic panel, drug screening, CT, MRI, and electrocardiogram. Assessment reveals a history of generalized anxiety disorder. She admits she recently lost her job and is experiencing significant stress from financial difficulties. What would be an appropriate nursing intervention for this patient?

• Administer antiepileptic medications

• Calmly tell the patient her symptoms aren’t real

• Educate the patient on stress management techniques

• Refer to physical therapy

Bethany is experiencing dizziness, head pain and numbness in her lower limbs all with no apparent medical reason. Bethany is most likely experiencing a(n) _____.

• Somatic Symptoms Disorder

• dissociative identity disorder

• dissociative fugue

• illness anxiety disorder

Which of the following disorders may appear similar in their presentation?

• Somatic symptom disorder and dissociative identity disorder

• Somatic symptom disorder and conversion disorder

• Somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder

• Somatic symptom disorder and body dysmorphic disorder

The nurse is caring for a client with complex somatic symptom disorder. When assessing this client, the nurse would be especially alert for symptoms of which of the following?

• Bipolar disorder

• Depression

• Avoidant personality disorder

• Delirium

Bertram has spent years being concerned about his health even though he has no symptoms or pain. Several years ago, he read an article on tumors and became preoccupied with thoughts about getting a tumor. He rarely seeks medical help and in fact avoids doctors and hospitals. Bertram is most likely experiencing a(n) _____.

• somatic symptom disorder

• dissociative identity disorder

• dissociative fugue

• illness anxiety disorder

Which of the following is TRUE with respect to somatic symptom disorder?

• The symptoms are real

• The symptoms are made up

• The person's symptoms are objective

• The person experiences various signs the doctor can objectively see