NSG552/ NSG 552 Exam 2 (Latest 2026/2027 Update) | Complete Exam Questions with Verified Answers and Detailed Rationales | Somatic Symptom Disorder, Factitious Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder, Conversion Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Anxiety Disorders

INSTANT PDF DOWNLOAD This comprehensive EXAM resource for NSG 552 Exam 2 at Wilkes University covers Somatic Symptom & Dissociative Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and Related Pharmacotherapy for the 2026/2027 academic year. It features exam-style questions with verified answers and detailed rationales. Exam 2 Topics Covered: Somatic Symptom Disorder (6+ months physical symptoms, belief of illness, no intentional production) Illness Anxiety Disorder (preoccupation with serious illness, mild symptoms, excessive health-related behaviors) Factitious Disorder (falsifying symptoms to assume sick role, absence of external reward, long hospitalizations) Conversion Disorder (neurological symptoms without explanation, "la belle indifference") Adjustment Disorder (emotional/behavioral symptoms in response to identifiable stressor, resolves within 6 months) Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Specific Phobias Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - obsessions vs compulsions Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs (first-line), SNRIs, Clomipramine (2nd line OCD), Benzodiazepines (short-term) Activating vs Sedating Antidepressants (DAVF vs DAMT mnemonic) Benzodiazepine classification (short, intermediate, long-acting) Benzodiazepines not metabolized by liver (LOT: Lorazepam, Oxazepam, Temazepam) - safe for liver disease FDA-approved benzodiazepine for panic disorder: Alprazolam (Xanax) Serotonin Syndrome signs: muscle spasms, fever, tachycardia, confusion SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome (FINISH mnemonic) Neurotransmitter profiles in anxiety: ↑ Norepinephrine, ↓ Serotonin, ↓ GABA Medical conditions that may precipitate anxiety: COPD, Diabetes, Thyroid Disease, Seizures Contraindications: Clonazepam in renal dysfunction SOMATIC SYMPTOM & RELATED DISORDERS – COMPLETE Q&A REVIEW Q1. Which disorder has a physical symptom presenting for 6+ months, where patients believe they are ill, and do not intentionally produce symptoms? Correct Answer: Somatic symptom disorder Rationale: Somatic symptom disorder is characterized by one or more distressing or disruptive somatic symptoms (physical symptoms) lasting 6 months or more, accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, or behaviors related to the symptoms. Patients genuinely believe they are ill; they do NOT intentionally produce or feign symptoms (differentiating from factitious disorder and malingering). Q2. What is the treatment approach for somatic symptom disorder? Correct Answer: See PCP regularly, address psychological issues gradually Rationale: Treatment involves establishing a consistent, supportive relationship with a primary care provider to avoid unnecessary tests and procedures. Psychological issues are addressed gradually, often with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). SSRIs may be beneficial for associated anxiety or depression. Q3. What is the difference between somatic symptom disorder and illness anxiety disorder? Correct Answer: Illness anxiety disorder involves preoccupation with having or acquiring a serious illness, with mild or no somatic symptoms, and excessive health-related behaviors or maladaptive avoidance. Somatic symptom disorder requires presence of distressing physical symptoms. Rationale: In illness anxiety disorder, patients are worried about the idea of being sick but do not necessarily have significant physical symptoms. In somatic symptom disorder, patients have actual physical symptoms that cause distress. Both conditions involve excessive health-related concerns and persist for 6+ months. Q4. Which disorder is characterized by falsifying physical or psychological signs/symptoms to assume a sick role, with ABSENCE of external reward, and often long hospitalizations?