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Somatization and Symptoms Evaluation
Author Bios
Introduction
Defining Somatization
Detecting Symptoms
Dimensions of Symptoms
Measuring Symptoms
Psychiatric Comorbidity
Interpreting Symptom Measures
Functional Syndromes and Symptoms
Etiology of Symptoms
Levels of Etiological Certainty
Strengthening Etiological Classification
Confounding Etiological Factors
Currently selected section: Symptoms and Patient Expectations
Interpreting Patient Responses
Measuring Multiple Symptoms
Global Rating of Change
Measuring Somatization
Measuring Other Domains
Conclusions


Chapter 16: Somatization and Symptoms Evaluation: Symptoms and Patient Expectations
        

Problem 13.1

A 40-year-old truck driver presents to clinic because of one week of acute low back pain. Based upon the interview and a normal physical examination, the physician decides to reassure the patient, prescribe a nonnarcotic analgesic, and ask the patient to follow-up in several weeks if the pain has not improved.

When asked if there was anything else he wanted, the patient said, "No, I guess not."

Two weeks later, the patient returns with mild residual pain but does admit to feeling dissatisfied with the care provided for his back pain.

Question 13.1

What is the most likely reason for the patient's dissatisfaction?
Selection AFailure to receive a back X-ray or other imaging procedure
Selection B Failure to receive a prescription for a narcotic analgesic
Selection C Failure to be provided an explanation for his back pain and expected duration for improvement
Selection D Failure to be put on disability for his back pain


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