Somatic Symptom Illness (21)

Question 1

what is psychosomatic illness?

Answer 1

illness that incorporates the connection between mind and body–the mind causes the body to create or worsen physical symptoms

Question 2

define somatization

Answer 2

transference of mental experiences and states into bodily sensations

Question 3

types of somatic disorders

Answer 3

1) somatic symptom disorder
2) conversion disorder
3) pain disorder
4) illness anxiety disorder (hyponchondriasis)

Question 4

three central features of somatic symptom disorders

Answer 4

1) physical complaints that suggest physical illness but has no organic basis
2) psychological factors and conflicts are critical in initiating, exacerbating, and maintaining symptoms
3) health concerns seem to be unconscious

Question 5

characteristics of somatic symptom disorder

Answer 5

has one or more physical symptoms that have no organic basis

clients believe that symptoms indicate a more serious illness

they experience significant distress and anxiety regarding their health

Question 6

characteristics of conversion disorder

Answer 6

unexplained and sudden deficits in sensory or motor function (blindness, paralysis)

entails functional impairment

suggested neurologic disorder associated with psychological factors

clients seem indifferent to functional loss (la belle indifference)

Question 7

characteristics of pain disorder

Answer 7

primary physical symptom of pain is present

analgesics do not work

Question 8

characteristics of hypochondriasis

Answer 8

preoccupation with the fear that one has a serious illness (disease conviction)

or they will get a serious disease (disease phobia)

Question 9

types of factitious disorders

Answer 9

Manchausen Syndrome - people would self-inflict for attention

Manchausen Syndrome by proxy - someone inflicts injury on someone else to gain attention or become the “hero” of saving that person

Question 10

define malingering

Answer 10

intentional fabrication of symptoms in order to avoid responsibilities or obtain drugs and other benefits that come with being “sick”

Question 11

psychosocial etiology

Answer 11

internalization, Alexithymia, primary and secondary gains

Question 12

define internalization

Answer 12

keeping negative emotions bottled up instead of expressing

Question 13

define Alexithymia

Answer 13

the inability to identify emotions

Question 14

what is “primary gain”?

Answer 14

external benefits of being sick

(becoming “sick” provides relief of anxiety, conflict, and stress)

Question 15

what is “secondary gain”?

Answer 15

internal benefits of being sick

(you receive attention when you’re “sick”)

Question 16

biological etiologies

Answer 16

differences of self-regulation (reacting to every sort of stimuli regardless if it’s important or not)

interpretation of stimuli (normal body sensations become pathologic)

amplified sensory awareness

Question 17

nursing process of determining a client’s problem

Answer 17

pathophysiology must be ruled out first; order labs (CBC)

1) assess (medical history, general appearance and gait, labile mood)
2) interventions (health teaching, encourage to express, teach coping strategies, establishing trust by validation)

Question 18

emotion-focused coping strategy

Answer 18

clients can relax and reduce stress

Question 19

problem-focused coping strategy

Answer 19

helps client resolve or change their behavior, situation, and stressors

Question 20

what is the nursing goal?

Answer 20

the patient will identify relationship between stress and physical symptoms, demonstrate healthier behaviors and alternative ways to deal with anxiety

over time the client will make fewer visits to doctor and seek less medication, use more positive coping strategies

Question 21

manifestations of somatization

Answer 21

slow gait, always focused on physical health, low self-esteem, little insight

lack of social support, sleep disturbances, lack basic nutrition, multiple pain meds