Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

When is pain considered a result of somatization in a patient with a sore throat?

1. When it involves multiple health complaints

2. When thought to be a pseudoneurologic symptom

3. When it lasts longer than three weeks

4. When accompanied by psychological stress

The correct answer is: When thought to be a pseudoneurologic symptom

Somatization refers to the expression of psychological distress through physical symptoms. In the context of a sore throat, pain can be considered a result of somatization particularly when it is perceived as a pseudoneurologic symptom. This implies that the pain experienced by the patient does not stem from a clear medical diagnosis or physical origin, but rather may be influenced by emotional or psychological factors. When pain is regarded as pseudoneurologic, it indicates that the sensations are not due to a direct physical cause but are instead reflecting underlying psychological conditions, such as anxiety or depression. This is an essential concept in nursing practice because it highlights the need for holistic assessment and treatment that considers the psychological dimensions of health alongside the physical. Considering the other options, while multiple health complaints, duration of symptoms, and psychological stress may contribute to a more complex clinical picture, they do not specifically identify the symptom as being purely a representation of psychological issues manifesting in physical pain. Instead, the identification of pain as a pseudoneurologic symptom most clearly aligns with the definition of somatization, focusing on the disconnect between physical symptoms and identifiable medical diagnoses.