Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which of the following statements is true regarding patients who feign symptoms?

1. Patients who feign primarily psychological symptoms are more common.

2. Patients who feign physical signs and symptoms are less common.

3. Patients who feign primarily psychological symptoms appear much less commonly.

4. Patients who feign symptoms always seek hospitalization.

The correct answer is: Patients who feign primarily psychological symptoms appear much less commonly.

Patients who feign primarily psychological symptoms appear much less commonly because the prevalence of factitious disorders and malingering tends to be lower in comparison to those who might feign physical symptoms. Individuals who engage in this behavior often do so for various reasons, including attention-seeking, a need to play the "sick role," or to avoid responsibilities. In clinical settings, while there are instances of psychological symptom feigning, they are statistically less frequent than the feigning of physical symptoms, which can be more easily observed and sometimes validated through medical tests. Understanding the dynamics of how and why patients might present these feigned symptoms is crucial for healthcare professionals. It allows them to differentiate between genuine conditions and those that are intentionally fabricated or exaggerated. In this context, recognizing the rarity of psychological symptom feigning can aid in the assessment and management of patients, guiding appropriate interventions and possibly reducing unnecessary hospitalizations or treatments.