A nurse is caring for a client who states, "When I get in the car to drive to work in the morning, my hands go numb. It is to the point where I can't grip the steering wheel." Which of the following conditions is the client likely experiencing?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Dissociative amnesia: This condition involves an inability to recall important personal information, usually related to trauma or stress. The symptoms described do not align with memory loss but rather with a physical sensation (numbness) that interferes with driving. B. Depersonalization/derealization disorder: This disorder is characterized by persistent feelings of detachment from oneself or one's surroundings. The client's reported symptoms do not reflect feelings of detachment but rather a physical manifestation that affects their ability to drive. C. Factitious disorder: This disorder involves intentionally producing or feigning symptoms to assume the sick role. The client’s symptoms are not self-induced for the purpose of gaining attention or sympathy, which is a key feature of factitious disorder. D. Functional neurological symptom disorder: This condition is characterized by neurological symptoms, such as numbness or weakness, that cannot be explained by medical conditions. The client’s experience of numb hands while driving fits this disorder, as it reflects a physical symptom with no identifiable organic cause.