Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What is the first step a nurse should take when a patient with potential somatization disorder expresses new physical complaints?

1. Ignore the complaints

2. Conduct a thorough assessment

3. Suggest a psychological evaluation

4. Refer to a specialist immediately

The correct answer is: Conduct a thorough assessment

The first step a nurse should take when a patient with potential somatization disorder expresses new physical complaints is to conduct a thorough assessment. This approach is essential because it allows the nurse to gather detailed information about the patient's symptoms, including their onset, duration, intensity, and any associated factors. A comprehensive assessment will help in understanding the patient's experience and will guide subsequent interventions. By actively listening to the patient's concerns and documenting their complaints, the nurse can determine if the physical symptoms have a medical basis or are potentially linked to psychological factors. This step is critical, as it establishes a foundation of trust between the nurse and the patient, showing that their complaints are valid and worthy of attention. Without a thorough assessment, it would be challenging to make informed decisions about referrals or further evaluations, and dismissing the complaints or suggesting immediate psychological evaluation could lead to invalidating the patient's feelings. Thus, conducting a thorough assessment is the most appropriate initial action in this scenario.