Lorraine, a client diagnosed with somatic symptom disorder, tells the nurse about a pain in her side. She says she has not experienced it before. Which is the most appropriate response by the nurse?
a. “I don’t want to hear about another physical complaint. You know they are all in your head. It’s time for group therapy now.”
b. “Let’s sit down here together and you can tell me about this new pain you are experiencing. You’ll just have to miss group therapy today.”
c. “I will report this pain to your physician. In the meantime, group therapy starts in 5 minutes.”
d. “I will call your physician and see if he will order a new pain medication for your side. The one you have now doesn’t seem to provide relief. Why don’t you get some rest for now?”
