NREMT Paramedic

Answer: B - Somatoform disorders are characterized by physical symptoms that have no apparent physiological cause. Patients may be preoccupied with physical symptoms. This is a psychiatric diagnosis of exclusion, made after full evaluation of symptoms. Its subtypes range from body dysmorphia to conversion disorder. Since as an EMT your job is to identify and manage life threats, assuming such an explanation for your patient’s complaints may mislead you into missing valuable clues to current problems. Taking an objective, fresh approach without becoming caught up the emotions accompanying a description is your surest way to compile a useful, accurate, and thorough history.