The nurse is providing care for a patient with numerous physiological complaints. A family member shares that the patient is pretending to have the symptoms of a stomach ulcer to avoid going to work. The nurse recognizes which somatoform disorder this patient is most likely experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Malingering is not considered a somatoform disorder; it involves the intentional production of false or grossly exaggerated physical or psychological symptoms, motivated by external incentives such as avoiding work, obtaining financial compensation, or evading criminal prosecution. In this scenario, the patient is pretending to have symptoms for a specific secondary gain (avoiding work), which aligns with malingering, rather than a somatoform disorder where symptoms are not intentionally produced.

The Nurse Is Providing Care for a Patient with Numerous