The nurse is providing care to a client diagnosed with somatic symptoms disorder (SSD). The client has been prescribed escitalopram 1 week ago. The client reports experiencing nausea after starting the medication and describes it as worse than what the average person would have. Which intervention should the nurse recommend for this client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to reduce a client's anxiety about an illness, the nurse should ask the client to monitor any side effects related to the medication using a daily journal and report back in a follow-up visit with the nurse. This validates the client's concerns and helps with problem solving in the next visit. The nurse should not tell the client to stop taking the medication as nausea is a common side effect of escitalopram. Such side effects tend to last 1-2 weeks after commencing the medication and subside as the primary purpose of the medication manifests. Telling the client to consume a balanced diet does not acknowledge the client's problem, thus will not help to alleviate the client's fears of anxiety. Referring the client to another health care provider communicates that the problem is not within the client's control and fosters a dependence on health care providers rather than reinforcing the notion of self-efficacy.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to a Client Diagnosed with Somatic