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A client is being assessed for complex somatic symptom disorder. Which client statement would the nurse interpret as most likely supporting this diagnosis?
- A. It?s like my foot is asleep all the time; I can?t feel anything that touches my foot.
- B. I?m losing weight no matter what or how much I eat.
- C. I am always in pain; there is nothing I can do to relieve it.
- D. It seems like I am always having diarrhea at the most inconvenient times.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chronic, unrelieved pain (C) strongly supports a CSSD diagnosis due to its persistent and distressing nature. Numbness (A) suggests functional neurologic symptoms, weight loss (B) aligns with eating disorders, and diarrhea (D) is less specific to CSSD.
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A client has made multiple visits to the clinic. The nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing complex somatic symptom disorder based on which of the following?
- A. Expressions of concern about psychological problems
- B. Indications that parents were always in good health
- C. Reports of the same symptoms repeatedly
- D. Evidence of a need for social support from her friends
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Repeated reports of the same somatic symptoms (C) are characteristic of CSSD, reflecting persistent preoccupation with physical complaints. Psychological concerns (A) are less specific, parental health (B) is irrelevant, and social support needs (D) are not diagnostic.
The nurse is preparing to interview a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder. The nurse anticipates that the client will most likely exhibit which of the following?
- A. No facial expression during the interview
- B. Intermittent nodding and glancing at the clock on the wall
- C. Altered mental status
- D. Rapidly changing moods during the interview
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients with CSSD often exhibit distracted behaviors like nodding and glancing at the clock (B), reflecting preoccupation with symptoms. No facial expression (A) suggests schizoid traits, altered mental status (C) indicates delirium, and rapid mood changes (D) suggest bipolar disorder.
The nurse is caring for a client in the neighborhood clinic. The client tells the nurse that ever since he was an adolescent, he has avoided social situations because he has one ear that is obviously bigger than the other ear. The nurse observes that one of the client?s ears does not appear to be larger than the other ear. The nurse suspects that the client may be experiencing which of the following?
- A. Complex somatic symptom disorder
- B. Functional neurologic symptoms
- C. Factitious disorder
- D. Body dysmorphic disorder
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Body dysmorphic disorder (D) involves preoccupation with a perceived physical flaw, like an ear size discrepancy, not observed by others. CSSD (A) involves broader somatic complaints, functional neurologic symptoms (B) involve motor/sensory deficits, and factitious disorder (C) involves intentional symptom fabrication.
A nurse is evaluating the outcomes for a client diagnosed with complex somatic symptom disorder. Which of the following would the nurse most likely identify as interfering with achievement?
- A. Outcomes were stated in realistic terms
- B. Outcomes addressed overall issues
- C. Outcomes indicated small successes
- D. Outcomes were identified for specific behaviors
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Broad, non-specific outcomes addressing overall issues (B) can interfere with achievement in CSSD due to lack of focus. Realistic (A), small (C), and specific (D) outcomes support progress by being measurable and attainable.
A client with complex somatic symptom disorder is complaining of significant pain in the joints. When providing care to this client, which of the following would be most important for the nurse to keep in mind?
- A. Opioid analgesics are the primary mode of therapy.
- B. The client?s experience of pain is real.
- C. Complementary therapies are usually of little benefit.
- D. Outcomes need to reflect the biologic aspects of the pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The client?s pain experience in CSSD is real (B), requiring validation to build trust and support treatment. Opioids (A) are not primary due to dependency risks, complementary therapies (C) can be beneficial, and biologic outcomes (D) are secondary to psychological focus.