Page 2258 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

11. Encourage the use of relaxation techniques as the
anxiety increases.
12. Encourage diversional activities.
13. Provide positive feedback.
14. Administer antianxiety medications if prescribed.

For a client with a somatic symptom disorder, allow a specific

time period for the client to discuss physical complaints, because the
client will feel less threatened if this behavior is limited rather than
stopped completely. Avoid responding with positive reinforcement about
the physical complaints.
VII. Dissociative Disorder
A. Description
1. Dissociative disorder is a disruption in integrative
functions of memory, consciousness, or identity.
2. It is associated with exposure to an extremely
traumatic event.
B. Dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly called multiple
personality disorder
1. Description
a. Two or more fully developed, distinct,
and unique personalities exist within
the client and recurrently control
behavior.
b. The host is the primary personality, and
the other personalities are referred to
as alters.
c. Alter personalities may take full control
of the client, 1 at a time, and may or
may not be aware of one another.
d. The alters may be aware of the host, but
the host is not usually aware of the
alters.
2. Assessment
a. The client may have an inability to
recall important information
(unrelated to ordinary forgetfulness).
b. Transition from 1 personality to the
other is related to stress or a traumatic
event and is sudden.
c. Dissociation is used as a method of
distancing and defending one’s self
from anxiety and traumatizing
experiences.
C. Dissociative amnesia
1. Description
a. Inability to recall important personal

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