Ch 21- Somatic Sympton Illnesses

Ch 21- Somatic Sympton Illnesses

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

1. Psychosomatic illness refers to physical symptoms that are either created or worsened
by psychic influences. Which conditions are thought to be attributed to the connection
between mind and body? Select all that apply.
A) Diabetes
B) Arthritis
C) Hypertension
D) Headache
E) Colitis
Ans: A, C, D, E
Feedback:
The term psychosomatic is used to convey the connection between the mind (psyche)
and the body (soma) in states of health and illness. Essentially, the mind can cause the
body to create physical symptoms or to worsen physical illnesses. Real symptoms can
begin, continue, or be worsened as a result of emotional factors. Examples include
diabetes, hypertension, and colitis, all of which are medical illnesses influenced by
stress and emotions. In addition, stress can cause physical symptoms unrelated to a
diagnosed medical illness such as ìtension headaches.î
2. Which of the following are possible with psychosomatic illness? Select all that apply.
A) Real symptoms can begin.
B) Real symptoms can continue.
C) Real symptoms can worsen.
D) Unrelated symptoms can occur.
E) Clients can control these symptoms.
Ans: A, B, C, D
Feedback:
The term psychosomatic is used to convey the connection between the mind (psyche)
and the body (soma) in states of health and illness. Essentially, the mind can cause the
body to create physical symptoms or to worsen physical illnesses. Real symptoms can
begin, continue, or be worsened as a result of emotional factors. Examples include
diabetes, hypertension, and colitis, all of which are medical illnesses influenced by
stress and emotions. In addition, stress can cause physical symptoms unrelated to a
diagnosed medical illness. Clients do not willfully control the physical symptoms.
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3. The client asks the nurse, ìWhat does having psychosomatic symptoms mean?î What
should the nurse reply?
A) ìIt means you’re not physically sick.î
B) ìIt means that stress and/or emotions are causing your symptoms.î
C) ìIt means that you’ll be well when you get your life in order.î
D) ìIt means that your symptoms are a product of your imagination.î
Ans: B
Feedback:
Clients who do not cope well with stress or emotions develop physical symptoms that
are real as a means of coping. Answer choices A, C, and D are inappropriate responses.
4. Which is the primary gain associated with developing physical symptoms in response to
stress?
A) Accept dependency
B) Decrease anxiety
C) Experience attention
D) Suppress anger
Ans: B
Feedback:
Primary gain is always relief of stress, anxiety, or conflicting/unacceptable emotions.
They are the direct external benefits that being sick provides, such as relief from
anxiety, conflict, or distress.