A medical-surgical nurse works with a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder. Care planning is facilitated by understanding that the patient will probably

A) readily seek psychiatric counseling.
B) be resistant to accepting psychiatric help.
C) attend psychotherapy sessions without encouragement.
D) be eager to discover the true reasons for physical symptoms.

Somatic Symptom Disorder

A form of mental disorder characterized by an excessive focus on physical symptoms — such as pain or fatigue — that causes significant distress or problems in functioning.

Psychiatric Counseling

A type of therapy focusing on diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, facilitated by a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, or mental health professional.

Psychotherapy Sessions

Scheduled meetings between a therapist and a client designed to address and work through mental health issues through dialogue and other therapeutic techniques.