Question

Which prescription medication would the nurse expect to be prescribed for a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder?

1) Narcotic analgesics for use as needed for acute pain
2) Antidepressant medications to treat underlying depression
3) Long-Term use of benzodiazepines to support coping with anxiety
4) Conventional antipsychotic medications to correct cognitive distortions

Answer 1

For a patient with a somatic symptom disorder, a nurse would expect antidepressant medications to be prescribed to treat underlying depression, as they can alleviate depressive symptoms associated with the disorder.

Step-by-step explanation:

The prescription medication that a nurse would expect to be prescribed for a patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder is antidepressant medications to treat underlying depression. Somatic symptom disorder is often associated with psychological distress, and treatment typically includes medications that address conditions such as depression and anxiety. Antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), can help alleviate the depressive symptoms that often accompany somatic symptom disorders. In contrast, long-term use of benzodiazepines is generally not recommended due to the risk of dependency and withdrawal issues. Additionally, conventional antipsychotic medications are not typically used for somatic symptom disorders unless there is a co-occurring psychotic disorder.