what is a key characteristic of illness anxiety disorder

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment Form B

1. What is a key characteristic of Illness Anxiety Disorder?

A. Excessive focus on minor symptoms without medical evidence of illness
B. The need for consistent reassurance from healthcare professionals
C. Compulsive behavior to avoid physical illness
D. Development of avoidance behaviors to reduce anxiety

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Excessive focus on minor symptoms without medical evidence of illness." Illness Anxiety Disorder, formerly known as hypochondriasis, is characterized by a preoccupation with having a serious illness despite no medical evidence to support the presence of an illness. Individuals with this disorder often interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of severe illness. Choice B is incorrect because while individuals with Illness Anxiety Disorder may seek reassurance from healthcare professionals, the excessive focus on minor symptoms is the key characteristic. Choice C is incorrect as compulsive behaviors to avoid physical illness are more characteristic of illnesses like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Choice D is incorrect as the development of avoidance behaviors to reduce anxiety is more commonly seen in conditions like specific phobias or social anxiety disorder.

2. Which therapeutic technique is recommended for clients with somatic symptom disorder?

A. Encourage complete bed rest
B. Limit the amount of time the client spends discussing symptoms
C. Monitor the client's food intake
D. Educate the client on lifestyle changes to reduce symptoms

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct therapeutic technique recommended for clients with somatic symptom disorder is to limit the amount of time the client spends discussing symptoms. By doing so, the focus can be shifted away from the illness, helping the client to manage their condition better. Encouraging complete bed rest (Choice A) is not typically recommended as it may reinforce illness behaviors. Monitoring the client's food intake (Choice C) may not directly address the psychological aspects of somatic symptom disorder. Educating the client on lifestyle changes (Choice D) is important but may not be as effective initially as limiting symptom-focused discussions.

3. A nurse observes a colleague not using proper hand hygiene. What should the nurse do first?

A. Ignore the behavior and continue with care
B. Discuss the behavior with other colleagues
C. Confront the colleague about the behavior
D. Report the behavior to the supervisor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take first is to report the behavior to the supervisor. Proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. By reporting the observed behavior to the supervisor, the nurse is prioritizing patient safety and promoting a culture of accountability. Ignoring the behavior (Choice A) can put patients at risk, discussing it with other colleagues (Choice B) may not address the issue effectively, and confronting the colleague directly (Choice C) might not be the most appropriate initial step and could lead to conflicts rather than a constructive resolution.

4. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient experiencing hypoglycemia?

A. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes
B. Encouraging the patient to eat a high-protein snack
C. Administering 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates
D. Administering glucagon if the patient is unconscious

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response to a patient experiencing hypoglycemia is to administer 15g of fast-acting carbohydrates. This helps quickly increase the blood glucose levels in the patient, addressing the low blood sugar. Rechecking the blood glucose level in 15 minutes (Choice A) may delay necessary intervention, encouraging a high-protein snack (Choice B) is not recommended as it does not rapidly increase blood sugar levels, and administering glucagon if the patient is unconscious (Choice D) is typically done in severe cases of hypoglycemia when the patient is unable to eat or drink.

5. When is removal of the restraints by the nurse appropriate?

A. When medication that has been administered has taken effect
B. When no acts of aggression are observed in the hour following the release of two extremity restraints
C. When the nurse explores with the client the reasons for the angry and aggressive behavior
D. When the client apologizes and tells the nurse that it will never happen again

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse can safely remove restraints once no aggressive behavior is observed after releasing two extremity restraints for an hour. Choice A is incorrect because the removal of restraints should be based on the client's behavior rather than just the effect of medication. Choice C is incorrect as exploring reasons for aggressive behavior should be done before or during the intervention, not as a condition for removing restraints. Choice D is incorrect since an apology from the client does not guarantee a change in behavior or indicate that it is safe to remove the restraints.