Chapter 29. Somatic Symptom and Dissociative Disorders
Multiple Choice
1. A client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder is most likely to exhibit which
personality disorder characteristics?
A. Uses splitting and manipulation in relationships
B. Is socially irresponsible, exploitative, and guiltless and disregards rights of others
C. Expresses heightened emotionality, seductiveness, and strong dependency needs
D. Uncomfortable in social situations; perceived as timid, withdrawn, cold, and strange
ANS: C
It has been suggested that in somatic symptom disorder, there may be some
overlapping of personality characteristics and features associated with histrionic
personality disorder. These features include heightened emotionality, impressionistic
thought and speech, seductiveness, strong dependency needs, and a preoccupation
with symptoms and oneself. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by the
expression of multiple somatic complaints associated with psychosocial distress and
without medical basis.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
, 2. A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. What
predominant symptoms should a nurse expect to assess?
A. Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of ones symptoms
B. Amnestic episodes in which the client is pain free
C. Excessive time spent discussing psychosocial stressors
D. Lack of physical symptoms
ANS: A
The primary focus in somatic symptom disorder is on physical symptoms that suggest
medical disease but which have no basis in organic pathology. Although the
symptoms are associated with psychosocial distress, the individual focuses on the
seriousness of the physical symptoms rather than the underlying psychosocial issues.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
3. Which would be considered an appropriate outcome when planning care for an
inpatient client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder?
A. The client will admit to fabricating physical symptoms to gain benefits by day 3.
B. The client will list three potential adaptive coping strategies to deal with stress by
day 2. C. The client will comply with medical treatments for physical symptoms by day
3.
Multiple Choice
1. A client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder is most likely to exhibit which
personality disorder characteristics?
A. Uses splitting and manipulation in relationships
B. Is socially irresponsible, exploitative, and guiltless and disregards rights of others
C. Expresses heightened emotionality, seductiveness, and strong dependency needs
D. Uncomfortable in social situations; perceived as timid, withdrawn, cold, and strange
ANS: C
It has been suggested that in somatic symptom disorder, there may be some
overlapping of personality characteristics and features associated with histrionic
personality disorder. These features include heightened emotionality, impressionistic
thought and speech, seductiveness, strong dependency needs, and a preoccupation
with symptoms and oneself. Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by the
expression of multiple somatic complaints associated with psychosocial distress and
without medical basis.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
, 2. A nurse is working with a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. What
predominant symptoms should a nurse expect to assess?
A. Disproportionate and persistent thoughts about the seriousness of ones symptoms
B. Amnestic episodes in which the client is pain free
C. Excessive time spent discussing psychosocial stressors
D. Lack of physical symptoms
ANS: A
The primary focus in somatic symptom disorder is on physical symptoms that suggest
medical disease but which have no basis in organic pathology. Although the
symptoms are associated with psychosocial distress, the individual focuses on the
seriousness of the physical symptoms rather than the underlying psychosocial issues.
KEY: Cognitive Level: Application | Integrated Processes: Nursing Process:
Assessment | Client Need:
Psychosocial Integrity
3. Which would be considered an appropriate outcome when planning care for an
inpatient client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder?
A. The client will admit to fabricating physical symptoms to gain benefits by day 3.
B. The client will list three potential adaptive coping strategies to deal with stress by
day 2. C. The client will comply with medical treatments for physical symptoms by day
3.
