Mental Health Proctored Exam With Complete Questions And
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With any illness, what is the first thing we look for as nurses?-
ANSWER-We look to see if the patient can care for themselves
(ADLs, any impairment).
When it is a mental disorder, always first rule out any actual
physical/medical condition and substance use/abuse.
Describe somatoform disorders.-ANSWER-Somatoform
disorders are characterized by physical sx suggesting medical
disease, but without demonstrable organic pathology, They
are classified as mental disorders because pathophysiological
processes are not demonstrable or understandable by existing
laboratory procedures, and there is either evidence or strong
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,presumption that psychological factors are the major cause of
the symptoms.
Historically, what were somatoform disorders called.-ANSWER-
Hysterical neurosis.
Define somatization.-ANSWER-The process by which
psychological needs are expressed in the form of physical
symptoms. Somatization is thought to be associated with
repressed anxiety; anxiety is displaced into bodily symptoms.
Physical symptoms are associated with psychological factors
or conflicts. Clients are not in control of their symptoms,
which are unconscious and involuntary.
How do clients with somatoform disorders seek out care?-
ANSWER-They seek out medical care but not mental health
care for diagnosis and treatment.
The disorder usually runs a fluctuating course, with periods of
remission and exacerbation. Clients often receive medical care
from several physicians, sometimes concurrently, leading to
the possibility of dangerous combinations of treatments
(polypharmacy). They have a tendency to seek relief through
overmedicating with prescribed analgesics or antianxiety
agents. Drug abuse and dependence are common
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,complications of somatization disorder. When suicide results,
it is usually in association with substance abuse.
What are the diagnostic criteria for somatization disorder?-
ANSWER-Each of the following must be met:
–Hx of many physical complaints before age 30 and impairs
social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
–4 pain symptoms: Hx of pain related to at least 4 different
sites or functions (i.e., head, abdomen, back, joints, etc.)
–2 gastrointestinal symptoms: Hx of at least 2 GI Sx other than
pain (i.e., nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
–1 sexual symptom: Hx of at least 1 sexual or reproductive
symptom other than pain (i.e., sexual indifference, erectile
dysfunction, etc.)
–1 pseudoneurological symptom: Hx of at least one symptom
of deficit suggesting a neurological condition not limited to
pain (i.e., impaired coordination or balance, seizures, etc.)
–all Sx cannot be explained by known general medical
condition
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, What is the prevalence of somatization disorder?-ANSWER-
80% women
The lifetime prevalence of somatization disorder in the
general population is estimated to be 0.2–2% in women and
0.2% in men. Tendencies toward somatization are apparently
more common in those who are poorly educated and from the
lower socioeconomic classes.
Name predisposing factors of somatization disorder.-ANSWER-
–increase in first–degree relatives
–chronic emotional abuse might be a major etiology
–emotional and social stress can precipitate disorder
–genetic link, developmental learning, sociocultural factors,
and personality can predispose, precipitate, and maintain
disorder
Is somatization reinforced?-ANSWER-Yes, they are reinforced
by learning behaviors.
Somatic complaints are often reinforced when the sick role
relieves the individual from the need to deal with a stressful
situation, whether it be within society or within the family.
The sick person learns that he or she may avoid stressful
obligations, may postpone unwelcome challenges, and is
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