NURS 3381 Exam 3 Questions and Answers Fully Solved Latest Version 2025-2026
A medical-surgical nurse works with a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder. Care planning
is facilitated by understanding that the patient will probably: - Answersbe resistant to accepting
psychiatric help.
A patient has blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder but is unconcerned
about this problem. Which understanding should guide the nurses planning for this patient? The patient
is: - Answersrelieving anxiety through the physical symptom.
A patient has blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder. To help the patient
eat, the nurse should: - Answersexpect the patient to feed himself or herself after explaining the
arrangement of the food on the tray
A patient with blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder says, All the doctors
and nurses in this hospital stop by often to check on me. Too bad people outside the hospital dont find
me interesting. Which nursing diagnosis is most relevant? - AnswersChronic low self-esteem
To assist a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder, a nursing intervention of high priority is to:
- Answersshift the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings.
A patient who fears serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist
after diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, My heart misses beats. Im
frequently absent from work. I dont go out much because I need to rest. Which health problem is most
likely? - AnswersIllness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
A nurse assessing a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder is most likely to note that the
patient: - Answershas unmet needs related to comfort and activity.
To plan effective care for patients diagnosed with somatic system disorders, the nurse should
understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms: -
Answersprovide relief from health anxiety.
A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has the nursing diagnosis: Interrupted family
processes, related to patients disabling symptoms as evidenced by the spouse and children assuming
roles and tasks that previously belonged to patient. An appropriate outcome is that the patient will: -
Answersdemonstrate a resumption of former roles and tasks
A woman wears a size 7 shoe. She says, My feet are huge. Ive asked three orthopedists to surgically
reduce my feet. The patient tries to buy shoes to make her feet look smaller and, in social settings,
conceals both feet under a table or chair. Which health problem is likely? - AnswersBody dysmorphic
disorder
Which assessment finding best supports the diagnosis of dissociative amnesia with fugue? The patient
states: - AnswersI cannot recall why Im living in this town
,A college student observes a roommate going out wearing uncharacteristically seductive clothing,
returning 12 to 24 hours later, and then sleeping for 8 to 12 hours. At other times, the roommate sits on
the floor speaking like a young child. Which health problem should be considered? - AnswersDissociative
identity disorder
A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with functional neurological (conversion) disorder. Which
comment is most likely from this patient? - AnswersSince my father died, Ive been short of breath and
had sharp pains that go down my left arm, but I think its justindigestion.
A nurse counsels a patient diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Which nursing diagnosis would be
a priority for the plan of care? - AnswersRisk for suicide
Select the correct etiology to complete this nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with dissociative
identity disorder: Disturbed personal identity, related to: - Answerscognitive distortions associated with
unresolved childhood abuse issues
For a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia, complete this outcome: Within 4 weeks, the patient
will demonstrate an ability to execute complex mental processes by: - Answersdescribing previously
forgotten experiences
15. A person comes to the clinic reporting, I wear a scarf across my lower face when I go out but
because of my ugly appearance. Assessment reveals an average appearance with no actual
disfigurement. Which problem is most likely? - AnswersBody dysmorphic disorder
A nurse counseling a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) should understand that
the assessment of highest priority is: - Answersrisk for self-harm
A patient says, I feel detached and weird all the time, like Im looking at life through a cloudy window. -
AnswersDepersonalization
A patient reports fears of having cervical cancer and says to the nurse, Ive had Pap smears by six
different doctors. The results are normal, but Im sure thats because of errors in the laboratory. Which
disorder would the nurse suspect? - AnswersIllness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder says, I have pain from an undiagnosed injury. I cant
take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family
has to help me so much. It is important for the nurse to assess: - Answerssecondary gains
The causes of somatic system disorders may be related to: - Answersfaulty perceptions of body
sensations.
What is the primary difference between somatic system disorders and dissociative disorders? -
AnswersDissociative disorders entail stress-related disruptions of memory, consciousness, or identity,
whereas somatic system disorders involve the expression of psychological stress through somatic
symptoms.
, A patient says, I know I have a brain tumor despite the results of the magnetic resonance image (MRI).
The radiologist is wrong. People who have brain tumors vomit, and yesterday I vomited all day. Which
response by the nurse fosters cognitive restructuring? - AnswersLets see whether any other
explanations for your vomiting are possible
Which treatment modality should a nurse recommend to help a patient diagnosed with somatic
symptom disorder cope more effectively? - AnswersRelaxation
A patient diagnosed with depersonalization disorder tells the nurse, Its starting again. I feel as though Im
going to float away. The nurse should help the patient by: - Answershelping the patient focus on the
here and now
A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient
says, Although Im still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities. The nurse
should evaluate the treatment plan as: - Answerspartially successful
A therapist recently convicted of multiple counts of Medicare fraud says, SureI overbilled. Why not?
Everyone takes advantage of the government, so I did too. These statements show: - Answerslack of
guilt feelings.
Which intervention is appropriate for a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder who
frequently manipulates others? - AnswersRefer the patients requests and questions to the case
manager.
As a nurse prepares to administer a medication to a patient diagnosed with a borderline
personality disorder, the patient says, Just leave it on the table. Ill take it when I finish combing my hair.
What is the nurses best response? - AnswersSay to the patient, I must watch you take the medication.
Please take it now.
What is an appropriate initial outcome for a patient diagnosed with a personality disorder who
frequently manipulates others? The patient will: - Answersacknowledge manipulative behavior when it
is called to his or her attention.
Consider these comments made to three different nurses by a patient diagnosed with an antisocial
personality disorder: Youre a better nurse than the day shift nurse said you were; Another nurse said
you dont do your job right; You think youre perfect, but Ive seen you make three mistakes. Collectively,
these interactions can be assessed as: - Answersmanipulative.
A nurse reports to the interdisciplinary team that a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality
disorder lies to other patients, verbally abuses a patient diagnosed with dementia, and flatters the
primary nurse. This patient is detached and superficial during counseling sessions. Which behavior most
clearly warrants limit setting? - AnswersVerbal abuse of another patient
A medical-surgical nurse works with a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder. Care planning
is facilitated by understanding that the patient will probably: - Answersbe resistant to accepting
psychiatric help.
A patient has blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder but is unconcerned
about this problem. Which understanding should guide the nurses planning for this patient? The patient
is: - Answersrelieving anxiety through the physical symptom.
A patient has blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder. To help the patient
eat, the nurse should: - Answersexpect the patient to feed himself or herself after explaining the
arrangement of the food on the tray
A patient with blindness related to a functional neurological (conversion) disorder says, All the doctors
and nurses in this hospital stop by often to check on me. Too bad people outside the hospital dont find
me interesting. Which nursing diagnosis is most relevant? - AnswersChronic low self-esteem
To assist a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder, a nursing intervention of high priority is to:
- Answersshift the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings.
A patient who fears serious heart disease was referred to the mental health center by a cardiologist
after diagnostic evaluation showed no physical illness. The patient says, My heart misses beats. Im
frequently absent from work. I dont go out much because I need to rest. Which health problem is most
likely? - AnswersIllness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
A nurse assessing a patient diagnosed with a somatic system disorder is most likely to note that the
patient: - Answershas unmet needs related to comfort and activity.
To plan effective care for patients diagnosed with somatic system disorders, the nurse should
understand that patients have difficulty giving up the symptoms because the symptoms: -
Answersprovide relief from health anxiety.
A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder has the nursing diagnosis: Interrupted family
processes, related to patients disabling symptoms as evidenced by the spouse and children assuming
roles and tasks that previously belonged to patient. An appropriate outcome is that the patient will: -
Answersdemonstrate a resumption of former roles and tasks
A woman wears a size 7 shoe. She says, My feet are huge. Ive asked three orthopedists to surgically
reduce my feet. The patient tries to buy shoes to make her feet look smaller and, in social settings,
conceals both feet under a table or chair. Which health problem is likely? - AnswersBody dysmorphic
disorder
Which assessment finding best supports the diagnosis of dissociative amnesia with fugue? The patient
states: - AnswersI cannot recall why Im living in this town
,A college student observes a roommate going out wearing uncharacteristically seductive clothing,
returning 12 to 24 hours later, and then sleeping for 8 to 12 hours. At other times, the roommate sits on
the floor speaking like a young child. Which health problem should be considered? - AnswersDissociative
identity disorder
A nurse assesses a patient diagnosed with functional neurological (conversion) disorder. Which
comment is most likely from this patient? - AnswersSince my father died, Ive been short of breath and
had sharp pains that go down my left arm, but I think its justindigestion.
A nurse counsels a patient diagnosed with body dysmorphic disorder. Which nursing diagnosis would be
a priority for the plan of care? - AnswersRisk for suicide
Select the correct etiology to complete this nursing diagnosis for a patient diagnosed with dissociative
identity disorder: Disturbed personal identity, related to: - Answerscognitive distortions associated with
unresolved childhood abuse issues
For a patient diagnosed with dissociative amnesia, complete this outcome: Within 4 weeks, the patient
will demonstrate an ability to execute complex mental processes by: - Answersdescribing previously
forgotten experiences
15. A person comes to the clinic reporting, I wear a scarf across my lower face when I go out but
because of my ugly appearance. Assessment reveals an average appearance with no actual
disfigurement. Which problem is most likely? - AnswersBody dysmorphic disorder
A nurse counseling a patient diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID) should understand that
the assessment of highest priority is: - Answersrisk for self-harm
A patient says, I feel detached and weird all the time, like Im looking at life through a cloudy window. -
AnswersDepersonalization
A patient reports fears of having cervical cancer and says to the nurse, Ive had Pap smears by six
different doctors. The results are normal, but Im sure thats because of errors in the laboratory. Which
disorder would the nurse suspect? - AnswersIllness anxiety disorder (hypochondriasis)
A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder says, I have pain from an undiagnosed injury. I cant
take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family
has to help me so much. It is important for the nurse to assess: - Answerssecondary gains
The causes of somatic system disorders may be related to: - Answersfaulty perceptions of body
sensations.
What is the primary difference between somatic system disorders and dissociative disorders? -
AnswersDissociative disorders entail stress-related disruptions of memory, consciousness, or identity,
whereas somatic system disorders involve the expression of psychological stress through somatic
symptoms.
, A patient says, I know I have a brain tumor despite the results of the magnetic resonance image (MRI).
The radiologist is wrong. People who have brain tumors vomit, and yesterday I vomited all day. Which
response by the nurse fosters cognitive restructuring? - AnswersLets see whether any other
explanations for your vomiting are possible
Which treatment modality should a nurse recommend to help a patient diagnosed with somatic
symptom disorder cope more effectively? - AnswersRelaxation
A patient diagnosed with depersonalization disorder tells the nurse, Its starting again. I feel as though Im
going to float away. The nurse should help the patient by: - Answershelping the patient focus on the
here and now
A patient diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder has been in treatment for 4 weeks. The patient
says, Although Im still having pain, I notice it less and am able to perform more activities. The nurse
should evaluate the treatment plan as: - Answerspartially successful
A therapist recently convicted of multiple counts of Medicare fraud says, SureI overbilled. Why not?
Everyone takes advantage of the government, so I did too. These statements show: - Answerslack of
guilt feelings.
Which intervention is appropriate for a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality disorder who
frequently manipulates others? - AnswersRefer the patients requests and questions to the case
manager.
As a nurse prepares to administer a medication to a patient diagnosed with a borderline
personality disorder, the patient says, Just leave it on the table. Ill take it when I finish combing my hair.
What is the nurses best response? - AnswersSay to the patient, I must watch you take the medication.
Please take it now.
What is an appropriate initial outcome for a patient diagnosed with a personality disorder who
frequently manipulates others? The patient will: - Answersacknowledge manipulative behavior when it
is called to his or her attention.
Consider these comments made to three different nurses by a patient diagnosed with an antisocial
personality disorder: Youre a better nurse than the day shift nurse said you were; Another nurse said
you dont do your job right; You think youre perfect, but Ive seen you make three mistakes. Collectively,
these interactions can be assessed as: - Answersmanipulative.
A nurse reports to the interdisciplinary team that a patient diagnosed with an antisocial personality
disorder lies to other patients, verbally abuses a patient diagnosed with dementia, and flatters the
primary nurse. This patient is detached and superficial during counseling sessions. Which behavior most
clearly warrants limit setting? - AnswersVerbal abuse of another patient
