To assist patients diagnosed with somatic symptom disorders, nursing interventions of high priority
A) explain the pathophysiology of symptoms.
B) help these patients suppress feelings of anger.
C) shift focus from somatic symptoms to feelings.
D) investigate each physical symptom as it is reported.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Shifting the focus from somatic symptoms to feelings or to neutral topics conveys interest in the patient as a person rather than as a condition. The need to gain attention with the use of symptoms is reduced over the long term. A desired outcome would be that the patient would express feelings, including anger if it is present. Once physical symptoms are investigated, they do not need to be reinvestigated each time the patient reports them.

To Assist Patients Diagnosed with Somatic Symptom Disorders, Nursing Interventions