Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is an appropriate nursing intervention for the biologic domain in patients with somatization disorders?

1. Promotion of regular exercise

2. Increase in inactivity

3. Development of a balanced diet plan

4. Implementation of medication management

The correct answer is: Increase in inactivity

In patients with somatization disorders, a primary nursing intervention in the biologic domain focuses on managing the patient’s physical health and well-being. One effective approach is the promotion of regular exercise. This intervention can be beneficial because regular physical activity has been shown to improve both physical and mental health, helping to alleviate symptoms related to anxiety and depression that often accompany somatization disorders. Engaging in regular exercise can lead to the release of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters, and it can also help with stress reduction, thereby influencing the patient's overall health positively. Additionally, exercise can mitigate somatic symptoms by improving circulation and enhancing bodily function, which often helps patients perceive their physical sensations differently. While increasing inactivity may seem relevant in managing certain condition-specific situations, for patients with somatization disorders, encouraging inactivity is counterproductive because it may reinforce their somatic complaints and contribute to a cycle of avoidance and further physical deterioration. Developing a balanced diet and implementing medication management are also important aspects of care but may not directly address the biologic domain as effectively as promoting regular exercise.