The nurse is caring for a client admitted with abdominal pain, who has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder after a thorough evaluation finds no medical cause for the symptoms. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Question

The nurse is caring for a client admitted with abdominal pain, who has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder after a thorough evaluation finds no medical cause for the symptoms.  Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a psychological disorder that develops from stress, resulting in medically unexplainable physical symptoms (eg, abdominal pain) that disrupt daily life. Clients with SSD focus an excessive amount of time, thought, and energy on the symptoms, often seeking medical care from multiple health care providers. Nursing interventions focus on minimizing indirect benefits and developing client insight. To minimize the indirect benefits from being "sick" (secondary gains), the nurse should: Redirect somatic complaints to unrelated, neutral topics Limit time spent discussing physical symptoms (Option B) To promote insight and healthy coping mechanisms, the nurse should assist the client to: Identify secondary gains (eg, increased attention, freedom from responsibilities) Recognize factors that intensify symptoms (eg, increased stress, reminders of a deceased family member) Incorporate appropriate coping strategies (eg, relaxation training, physical activity) (Option A) An elimination diet would increase the client's focus on the symptoms and is inappropriate, as physiological causes have already been ruled out. (Option C) The client's symptoms are real despite the lack of diagnostic findings. The nurse should administer analgesics as prescribed. (Option D) Disputing the validity of the client's symptoms may increase the client's stress level and exacerbate symptoms. Educational objective: Somatic symptom disorder occurs when stress causes medically unexplainable physical symptoms that disrupt daily life. Nursing interventions include limiting discussion of symptoms and identifying secondary gains, factors that intensify symptoms, and coping strategies.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Admitted with Abdominal