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Rasmussen Mental Health Exam 3 Questions and
Complete Solutions Graded A+
Somatoform Disorders - (answers)An umbrella group of disorders characterized
by the presence of one or more physical symptoms accompanied by abnormal
thoughts, feelings, and behavioral reactions in response to these symptoms, with
NO PHYSICAL FINDINGS OR MEDICAL ILLNESSES TO EXPLAIN THEM. These
symptoms are NOT INTENTIONAL or under the conscious control of the patient.
They may DEMAND UNNECESSARY TESTS, and may be NON-COMPLIANT with
provider recommendations. Individuals with this disorder experience significant
life impairment as a result of their symptoms, preoccupation, and high anxiety.
Often undergo unnecessary surgeries, invasive diagnostic procedures, and drug
trials, all of which can be life-threatening.
Somatoform Disorders - Nursing interventions - (answers)1. Offer explanations
and support during diagnostic testing.
2. After physical complaints have been investigated, avoid further reinforcement
of the somatic complaints.
3. Spend time with the patient at times other than when he/she is expressing a
physical complaint (e.g., when talking about a pet or TV program and give the
"reward" of extra attention during those times).
4. Observe and record frequency and intensity of somatic symptoms.
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5. DO NOT imply that symptoms are not real.
6. Shift focus from somatic complaints to feelings or to neutral topics.
7. ******Assess secondary gains that physical illness provides for patient, such as
attention, lack of work responsibility, or guilt of a spouse causing them to stay
rather than leave the patient.
8. Use straightforward approach to patient exhibiting resistance or covert anger.
9. Have patient direct all requests to a designated nurse or clinician.
10. Show concern for patient, but avoid fostering dependency needs.
11. Reinforce patient's strengths and problem-solving abilities.
12. Teach assertive communication skills and techniques.
13. Teach patient stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, and
mild physical exercise.
,3|Page
Important thing to remember regarding the assessment of a patient with
somatoform disorder - (answers)When patients complain of physical symptoms,
TAKE THE SYMPTOMS SERIOUSLY. Even if a medical explanation is not found
understandable, the symptoms are real and distressing to the patient.
Working with people who have somatic symptom disorders can be frustrating,
and you and other staff may find yourself avoiding interaction with them.
However, when people feel they are receiving care and attention, the intensity of
symptoms tends to diminish. As the symptoms are alleviated and **RAPPORT IS
ESTABLISHED, it becomes easier to address emotional issues.
Secondary Gains - (answers)Benefits that a person might be receiving from the
symptoms they are having.
Example: the patient is not able to perform the usual family, work, and social
functions, and receives extra attention from loved ones.
If a patient derives personal benefit from the symptoms, relinquishing the
symptoms is more difficult.
Hypochondriasis (Illness Anxiety Disorder) - (answers)Preoccupied with having or
eventually developing a serious illness. Patients with this disorder may or may not
present with somatic symptoms, and if they do, the symptoms are usually mild.
What they do exhibit is a high level of anxiety and alarm about their health lasting
at least 6 months, and may either excessively check for problems or avoid medical
, 4|Page
care. It is important to consider other possible diagnoses such as anxiety
disorders.
They are more alarmed by the potential implications of any disorder than with the
disorder itself, and are alarmed with any new bodily sensations. Patients can
misinterpret normal physical sensations such as sweating, abdominal cramping, or
awareness of heartbeat as indicative of disease.
Conversion Disorder - (answers)Disorder that presents with one or more
symptoms of impaired motor or sensory function. The deficit causes significant
distress to the patient and impaired social or occupational functioning.
Symptoms include weakness or paralysis, abnormal movement, swallowing or
speech difficulties, seizures or attacks, sensory loss or anesthesia, or symptoms
involving the senses (blindness or loss of smell).
Nursing Interventions for Conversion Disorder - (answers)Use a straight forward
approach
Be supportive, yet ASSERTIVE with them
Pt independence is IMPORTANT, they need to be able to take care of
THEMSELVES. Don't do everything for them!
Rasmussen Mental Health Exam 3 Questions and
Complete Solutions Graded A+
Somatoform Disorders - (answers)An umbrella group of disorders characterized
by the presence of one or more physical symptoms accompanied by abnormal
thoughts, feelings, and behavioral reactions in response to these symptoms, with
NO PHYSICAL FINDINGS OR MEDICAL ILLNESSES TO EXPLAIN THEM. These
symptoms are NOT INTENTIONAL or under the conscious control of the patient.
They may DEMAND UNNECESSARY TESTS, and may be NON-COMPLIANT with
provider recommendations. Individuals with this disorder experience significant
life impairment as a result of their symptoms, preoccupation, and high anxiety.
Often undergo unnecessary surgeries, invasive diagnostic procedures, and drug
trials, all of which can be life-threatening.
Somatoform Disorders - Nursing interventions - (answers)1. Offer explanations
and support during diagnostic testing.
2. After physical complaints have been investigated, avoid further reinforcement
of the somatic complaints.
3. Spend time with the patient at times other than when he/she is expressing a
physical complaint (e.g., when talking about a pet or TV program and give the
"reward" of extra attention during those times).
4. Observe and record frequency and intensity of somatic symptoms.
,2|Page
5. DO NOT imply that symptoms are not real.
6. Shift focus from somatic complaints to feelings or to neutral topics.
7. ******Assess secondary gains that physical illness provides for patient, such as
attention, lack of work responsibility, or guilt of a spouse causing them to stay
rather than leave the patient.
8. Use straightforward approach to patient exhibiting resistance or covert anger.
9. Have patient direct all requests to a designated nurse or clinician.
10. Show concern for patient, but avoid fostering dependency needs.
11. Reinforce patient's strengths and problem-solving abilities.
12. Teach assertive communication skills and techniques.
13. Teach patient stress reduction techniques, such as meditation, relaxation, and
mild physical exercise.
,3|Page
Important thing to remember regarding the assessment of a patient with
somatoform disorder - (answers)When patients complain of physical symptoms,
TAKE THE SYMPTOMS SERIOUSLY. Even if a medical explanation is not found
understandable, the symptoms are real and distressing to the patient.
Working with people who have somatic symptom disorders can be frustrating,
and you and other staff may find yourself avoiding interaction with them.
However, when people feel they are receiving care and attention, the intensity of
symptoms tends to diminish. As the symptoms are alleviated and **RAPPORT IS
ESTABLISHED, it becomes easier to address emotional issues.
Secondary Gains - (answers)Benefits that a person might be receiving from the
symptoms they are having.
Example: the patient is not able to perform the usual family, work, and social
functions, and receives extra attention from loved ones.
If a patient derives personal benefit from the symptoms, relinquishing the
symptoms is more difficult.
Hypochondriasis (Illness Anxiety Disorder) - (answers)Preoccupied with having or
eventually developing a serious illness. Patients with this disorder may or may not
present with somatic symptoms, and if they do, the symptoms are usually mild.
What they do exhibit is a high level of anxiety and alarm about their health lasting
at least 6 months, and may either excessively check for problems or avoid medical
, 4|Page
care. It is important to consider other possible diagnoses such as anxiety
disorders.
They are more alarmed by the potential implications of any disorder than with the
disorder itself, and are alarmed with any new bodily sensations. Patients can
misinterpret normal physical sensations such as sweating, abdominal cramping, or
awareness of heartbeat as indicative of disease.
Conversion Disorder - (answers)Disorder that presents with one or more
symptoms of impaired motor or sensory function. The deficit causes significant
distress to the patient and impaired social or occupational functioning.
Symptoms include weakness or paralysis, abnormal movement, swallowing or
speech difficulties, seizures or attacks, sensory loss or anesthesia, or symptoms
involving the senses (blindness or loss of smell).
Nursing Interventions for Conversion Disorder - (answers)Use a straight forward
approach
Be supportive, yet ASSERTIVE with them
Pt independence is IMPORTANT, they need to be able to take care of
THEMSELVES. Don't do everything for them!
