A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "My pain is from an undiagnosed injury. I can't 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 which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Secondary gains refer to the benefits a person might receive from their symptoms, such as attention or assistance from others, which can reinforce the behavior. Assessing secondary gains is crucial in understanding the patient's condition and planning appropriate interventions.

A Patient Diagnosed with a Somatic Symptom Disorder Says, "My