Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What behavior is common among clients with somatoform disorder regarding health care providers?

1. They generally believe in conventional treatments.

2. They shop for providers giving them desired outcomes.

3. They refuse to see any health care provider.

4. They rely solely on alternative medicine.

The correct answer is: They shop for providers giving them desired outcomes.

Clients with somatoform disorder often engage in "provider shopping," which means they seek out various health care providers in hopes of receiving favorable outcomes or validation for their symptoms. Individuals with this disorder experience physical symptoms that cannot be adequately explained by a medical condition, leading them to pursue numerous evaluations and treatments. They may feel that different providers can offer them a more satisfactory diagnosis or treatment plan, reinforcing their belief that their symptoms are valid and warrant attention. This behavior is characteristic of somatoform disorders because these clients typically have a heightened focus on their physical health, and their quest for relief or reassurance can lead to dissatisfaction with any one provider who may not align with their expectations or beliefs. Furthermore, they often struggle with the idea that their symptoms may be more psychological than physical, which contributes to their continued search for someone who acknowledges their distress. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the common behaviors of clients with somatoform disorder. For instance, while some may try alternative medicine, it's not a universal trait, and many still turn to conventional treatments as well. Therefore, while a small subset might refuse care altogether or lean more towards one type of treatment, the most defining behavior across this group is their tendency to seek out multiple providers