NCLEX® QOTD: Nonspecific abdominal pain
Published on Oct 28, 2024. Updated on Oct 29, 2024.
The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a patient who is frequently seen for nonspecific abdominal pain.
Based on the chart findings, which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Appendicitis
B. Bowel blockage
C. Somatic symptom disorder
D. Anorexia nervosa
Scroll down for the correct answers!The correct answer to today's NCLEX-RN® Question is...
C. Somatic symptom disorder
Rationale: Somatic symptom disorder is often characterized by nonspecific pain that is difficult for the patient to describe or pinpoint the exact location of their pain. Assessment findings and diagnostic testing reveal no cause of their symptoms, and the patient experiences cognitive symptoms such as anxiety.Major Takeaway
The nurse should use clinical judgment to analyze cues related to somatic symptom disorder by organizing and linking the recognized cues to the patient’s clinical presentation. Patients with somatic symptom disorder experience physical symptoms that are not explained by any known physical or psychiatric conditions. Patients with this disorder are unable to cope with their unpleasant emotions and displace them into physical symptoms, like pain and weakness as well as cognitive symptoms, like persistent thoughts, worry, and anxiety.
Incorrect answer explanations
A. Appendicitis
Rationale: Patients with appendicitis experience severe pain with movement or palpation of the abdomen, which is often rigid due to guarding against pain. This patient is not exhibiting signs of appendicitis.B. Bowel blockage
Rationale: A patient with a bowel blockage typically has hypoactive to no bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and limited movement due to pain. Based on this patient’s assessment findings, they are not experiencing a bowel blockage.D. Anorexia nervosa
Rationale: Patients with anorexia nervosa typically appear underweight and may have irregular or absent menstrual cycles. This patient’s assessment findings are not consistent with anorexia nervosa.
________________________
Want more NCLEX®-style practice questions? Try Osmosis by Elsevier today! Access your free trial and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.
