A nurse on an inpatient unit is caring for a client who has somatic symptom disorder. The client comes to the nurse's station and reports chest pain. The nurse knows this is a new symptom for the client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Encourage the client to use relaxation techniques. While relaxation techniques can help manage symptoms in somatic symptom disorder, they should not be the first response to a new symptom like chest pain. The nurse must first rule out a medical cause before assuming the pain is psychological. B. Reassure the client that pain is an expected part of their disorder. Assuming that the pain is purely psychosomatic without assessing for a potential medical emergency could lead to a delay in necessary treatment. Each new symptom should be evaluated independently. C. Explain to the client that the pain is not real. The pain experienced by clients with somatic symptom disorder is real to them, even if a physical cause is not found. Dismissing their symptoms can damage trust and discourage them from reporting future concerns. D. Assess the client's vital signs. Any new report of chest pain should be taken seriously, regardless of the client’s psychiatric history. Assessing vital signs ensures that a potential cardiac event or other medical issue is not overlooked before considering psychological factors.