a nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health Practice B

1. A client is diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Individuals with somatic symptom disorder often exhibit frequent visits to healthcare providers due to their excessive worry about physical symptoms. They seek reassurance and explanations for their perceived medical issues, even when there is no organic basis for their complaints. This behavior is a characteristic feature of somatic symptom disorder and distinguishes it from other conditions. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Excessive worry about physical symptoms may occur but it is not the primary behavior associated with this disorder. Fear of gaining weight is more characteristic of eating disorders, and persistent depressive mood is more indicative of mood disorders rather than somatic symptom disorder.

2. Which characteristic identified during an assessment serves to support a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder? Select one that doesn't apply.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Characteristics such as age, frequency of outbursts, and occurrence in multiple settings support a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. While comorbid conditions like autism can coexist with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, it is not a characteristic that serves to support a diagnosis of this specific disorder.

3. Which therapeutic approach is most effective for managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), especially exposure and response prevention, is considered the most effective therapeutic approach for managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). CBT helps individuals identify and modify their distorted beliefs and behaviors related to OCD, while exposure and response prevention specifically target the core symptoms of OCD by gradually exposing the individual to feared stimuli and preventing compulsive responses. While medication management can be used as an adjunct to therapy, CBT has shown to have long-lasting benefits in reducing OCD symptoms and improving the overall quality of life. Psychoanalysis focuses more on exploring unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, which may not be as effective for OCD. Group therapy can be beneficial as a supplemental treatment but is not typically as effective as individual CBT tailored to the specific needs of the individual with OCD.

4. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for a client with schizophrenia experiencing delusions, the nurse should present reality and offer reassurance without reinforcing the client's delusions. This approach helps the client maintain a connection to reality while feeling supported. Agreeing with the delusions may perpetuate false beliefs, while directly challenging them can lead to increased distress for the client. Encouraging the client to discuss their delusions in detail may further exacerbate their symptoms or reinforce their false beliefs. Therefore, the most therapeutic intervention is to gently present reality and provide reassurance to the client.

5. A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the care plan? Select one that does not apply.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Interventions for a client with OCD should include allowing the client to perform rituals initially, setting limits on the time allowed for rituals, encouraging the client to verbalize feelings, and providing a structured schedule of activities. Allowing the client to perform rituals is an essential part of managing OCD and should not be restricted in the initial stages of care. Setting limits on the time for rituals helps prevent excessive engagement in them. Encouraging the client to verbalize feelings promotes emotional expression and processing. Providing a structured schedule of activities helps establish routine and predictability, which can be beneficial for individuals with OCD.

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