Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

How do clients with somatoform disorder typically react to treatment?

1. They show immediate improvement.

2. They frequently change therapists.

3. They often ignore medical advice.

4. They respond negatively to all therapies.

The correct answer is: They frequently change therapists.

Clients with somatoform disorder often demonstrate a tendency to frequently change therapists as a reflection of their struggle with persistent, unexplained physical symptoms that cause significant distress. This behavior arises from their dissatisfaction with treatment outcomes, as they may not experience the relief they seek and may blame the therapist for their ongoing issues. Therapeutic relationships can be strained by the nature of somatoform disorders, where clients may not acknowledge the psychological components of their physical symptoms, leading to frustration and a quest for affirmation of their experiences from different healthcare providers. Consequently, this pattern of changing therapists can be seen as a coping mechanism, as individuals seek a solution that resonates with their perception of their condition, often leading them to feel that a new therapist may provide the understanding or answers they have not found before. In contrast, the other options do not align with common responses observed in this population. For instance, immediate improvement is unlikely due to the chronic nature of somatoform disorders. Ignoring medical advice is also not a hallmark of these clients, as they often seek extensive medical evaluations. Lastly, while negative responses to therapies can occur, it is not consistent that they react negatively to all therapies, as some may find certain approaches helpful over time.