Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What symptom might alert a psychiatric mental health nurse to the possibility of somatization disorder in a depressed patient?

1. Multiple surgeries and medical problems

2. Sudden weight loss

3. Increased sleep disturbances

4. Social withdrawal

The correct answer is: Multiple surgeries and medical problems

The presence of multiple surgeries and medical problems can be a significant indicator for a psychiatric mental health nurse to suspect somatization disorder in a depressed patient. Somatization disorder is characterized by the expression of psychological distress through physical symptoms, often leading individuals to seek extensive medical evaluations and interventions without a clear medical diagnosis. When a patient exhibits a history of numerous surgeries or ongoing medical issues that do not seem to be conclusively linked to an identifiable condition, it raises concern that these physical symptoms may be manifestations of underlying psychological distress rather than purely somatic (physical). This pattern of behavior often leads to a cycle of healthcare utilization that reflects the individual's struggle to cope with emotional issues, thereby alerting the nurse to the possibility of somatization disorder. In contrast, sudden weight loss could indicate various physical or psychological conditions, including but not limited to depression, and may not be exclusively linked to somatization disorder. Increased sleep disturbances are commonly reported in many mental health conditions, including depression, and while they may point to underlying issues, they are not as specific to somatization. Social withdrawal can be associated with numerous psychological conditions and does not directly indicate somatization, making it less relevant in this context.