A client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder is admitted to a psychiatric unit. The client has an elaborate routine for toileting activities. Which would be an appropriate initial client outcome during the first week of hospitalization?

Individuals with OCD often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive cleaning, as a way to alleviate or decrease anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. In the context of OCD, obsessions are intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to the obsessions.

A. Decrease the time available for interaction with people:

While individuals with OCD may isolate themselves due to their symptoms, the primary motivation for repetitive behaviors like cleaning is to manage anxiety, not necessarily to avoid interaction with others.

B. Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors:

OCD compulsions are not typically aimed at preventing aggressive or impulsive behaviors. They are driven by the need to reduce distress related to obsessive thoughts.

C. Decrease anxiety:

This is the correct answer. Compulsive behaviors in OCD are often ritualistic actions performed to reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. Cleaning, in this case, is a way for the individual to feel a sense of control and alleviate anxiety.

D. Manipulate others

The primary motive behind OCD compulsions is to manage personal anxiety, not to manipulate others. Individuals with OCD often recognize that their compulsions are excessive or irrational, but they feel driven to perform them to alleviate anxiety.

A. "Did you take your medicine this morning?": While medication adherence is important, this response does not directly address the client's distress or validate their experience. It may come across as dismissive.

B. "I'm sure the voices sound scary, I don't hear any voices speaking.": This response acknowledges the client's experience without confirming or denying the presence of the voices. It expresses empathy and provides reassurance, fostering a therapeutic relationship.

C. "The devil only talks to people who are receptive to his influence": This response introduces a belief system that may not align with the client's reality and could be perceived as judgmental. It's important to avoid imposing personal beliefs on clients experiencing hallucinations.

D. "You are not going to hell. You are a good person": While expressing support and reassurance is positive, making definitive statements about the client's fate or goodness may not be helpful. It's more effective to acknowledge the distress without making absolute affirmations.