SOMATIC SYMPTOM DISORDER | SITUATIONAL EXAMPLES

Question 1

A 30-year-old patient reports a mild headache and insists it must be a brain tumor, despite multiple negative diagnostic tests. The patient has visited three different hospitals for further evaluation. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?

A. Reassure the patient that there is no illness.
B. Encourage the patient to express their feelings about their health concerns.
C. Tell the patient to avoid further medical consultations.
D. Explain that their condition is psychological, not physical.

Answer 1

B. Encourage the patient to express their feelings about their health concerns.

Question 2

A patient suddenly experiences paralysis in both legs after a heated argument with their partner but appears unconcerned about the condition. What term best describes the patient’s lack of concern?

A. Somatization
B. Primary gain
C. La belle indifférence
D. Secondary gain

Answer 2

C. La belle indifférence

Question 3

A patient reports persistent headache pain that is unrelieved by analgesics. After thorough assessment, no physical cause is identified. Which disorder best explains this condition?

A. Conversion disorder
B. Pain disorder
C. Hypochondriasis
D. Body dysmorphic disorder

Answer 3

B. Pain disorder

Question 4

A 30-year-old actress constantly seeks cosmetic procedures, believing her nose is deformed despite reassurances from others. What is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis?

A. Disturbed sensory perception
B. Ineffective coping
C. Body image disturbance
D. Anxiety

Answer 4

C. Body image disturbance

Question 5

Which statement differentiates malingering from factitious disorder?

A. Malingering involves intentionally faking symptoms for attention.
B. Factitious disorder involves intentionally faking symptoms for external rewards.
C. Malingering involves faking symptoms to avoid responsibilities, while factitious disorder aims to gain attention.
D. Both disorders involve true physical symptoms without a known cause.

Answer 5

C. Malingering involves faking symptoms to avoid responsibilities, while factitious disorder aims to gain attention.

Question 6

A patient reports multiple physical complaints, including stomach pain, fatigue, and headaches, despite negative diagnostic tests. What is the priority nursing intervention?

A. Focus on alleviating physical symptoms.
B. Encourage emotional expression and explore underlying stressors.
C. Schedule repeated diagnostic tests to rule out all conditions.
D. Ignore the complaints to avoid reinforcing the behavior.

Answer 6

B. Encourage emotional expression and explore underlying stressors

Question 7

A patient with chronic stress presents with hypertension, migraines, and a stomach ulcer. Which term best describes this condition?

A. Malingering
B. Conversion disorder
C. Psychosomatic disorder
D. Factitious disorder

Answer 7

C. Psychosomatic disorder

Question 8

A patient suddenly experiences aphonia (inability to speak) after receiving distressing news. What is the nurse’s initial action?

A. Encourage the patient to rest.
B. Assess for physical causes of aphonia.
C. Reassure the patient that the condition is psychological.
D. Encourage verbalization of emotions.

Answer 8

B. Assess for physical causes of aphonia.

Question 9

A patient with somatic symptom disorder frequently calls family members to their bedside, seeking attention. What type of gain is the patient exhibiting?

A. Primary gain
B. Secondary gain
C. Tertiary gain
D. Malingering

Answer 9

B. Secondary gain

Question 10

Which medication is most commonly prescribed for patients with somatic symptom disorder?

A. Diazepam (Valium)
B. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
C. Haloperidol (Haldol)
D. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Answer 10

: B. Fluoxetine (Prozac)