The nurse is seeing a client who reports chronic pain that radiates to the lower back. The client reports the pain has been unresolved with analgesia, physical therapy, and therapeutic massage. The client's diagnostic imaging reports are all unremarkable. Which statement by the nurse would be the most supportive response to this client?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Whereas some evidence suggests that somatization is a result of abnormally high levels of physiologic response, other evidence supports the idea that somatization is the physical expression of personal problems or the internalization and expression of stress through physical symptoms. The nurse should use an approach that helps to establish trust through acknowledgment and validation. The therapeutic relationship is a key. Telling the client the recommended treatment approach is supported by research may elicit a defensive reaction in the client, hindering the therapeutic relationship. Talking about culturally specific behaviors indicates the nurse is using stereotyping, a culturally incompetent approach. Encouraging the client to continue to seek multiple health care providers is ineffective and feeds into the client's beliefs about the illness. The client should be encouraged to be consistent with one, primary health care provider.

The Nurse Is Seeing a Client Who Reports Chronic Pain