A patient diagnosed with a somatic symptom disorder says, "My pain is from an undiagnosed injury. I can't take care of myself. I need pain medicine six or seven times a day. I feel like a baby because my family has to help me so much." It is important for the nurse to assess

A) mood.
B) cognitive style.
C) secondary gains.
D) identity and memory.

Somatic Symptom Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by an excessive focus on physical symptoms that cause significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Secondary Gains

Benefits indirectly derived from being sick, such as attention, escape from duties, or financial gain.

Pain Medicine

A medical discipline focused on the evaluation, treatment, and management of pain, encompassing a range of modalities from medication to physical therapy and psychological support.