A client with OCD is concerned about their intrusive thoughts and the impact on their daily life. How should the nurse respond to the client's concerns?

"You should ignore these thoughts; they will eventually go away.”

"Intrusive thoughts are a normal part of everyone's thinking.”

"Let's work on strategies to manage these thoughts and reduce their impact.”

"There's no need to worry about these thoughts; they won't affect you.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client to ignore the intrusive thoughts is not a therapeutic response. It dismisses the client's concerns and offers no constructive help in managing their distressing thoughts.

Choice B rationale:

Stating that intrusive thoughts are a normal part of everyone's thinking might invalidate the client's distress and does not provide practical strategies for dealing with their OCD symptoms.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct choice. Acknowledging the client's concerns and offering to work on strategies to manage the thoughts is a therapeutic response. Collaboratively addressing the issue empowers the client to take an active role in their treatment.

Choice D rationale:

Dismissing the client's worries by saying there's no need to worry about the thoughts undermines their feelings and doesn't address the distress caused by the thoughts.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Obsessions and compulsions in OCD are ego-dystonic, not ego-syntonic. Ego-dystonic refers to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are perceived as incompatible with one's self-concept. In OCD, individuals recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unwanted, which causes distress.

Choice B rationale:

The connection of obsessions and compulsions to positive outcomes is not a distinguishing factor for OCD. In fact, obsessions and compulsions often lead to distress and interfere with daily functioning.

Choice C rationale:

The presence of distress or impairment is a key factor that helps differentiate OCD from other mental disorders. Unlike some other conditions where the behaviors or thoughts might not distress the individual, OCD is characterized by the distress caused by the irrational and unwanted obsessions and compulsions.

Choice D rationale:

This choice is the correct answer. Individuals with OCD recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and excessive, but they struggle to control them. This recognition is a hallmark of OCD and helps differentiate it from other conditions where the person might not be aware of the irrationality of their behavior.

A. "It's okay, you don't have to wash your hands.” B. "I understand that you're feeling anxious. Let's talk about what's going on.” C. "You need to calm down and stop thinking about washing your hands.” D. "I'll help you wash your hands.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client "It's okay, you don't have to wash your hands" might invalidate the client's feelings and fears, leading to increased anxiety. The client's compulsion to wash their hands is driven by their obsessive thoughts, and dismissing this behavior can be counterproductive.

Choice B rationale:

The correct response acknowledges the client's anxiety and opens a conversation about their feelings. This approach helps build a therapeutic relationship and provides an opportunity for the client to express their concerns. It's essential to address the underlying anxieties associated with OCD to promote better coping strategies.

Choice C rationale:

Telling the client to "calm down and stop thinking about washing your hands" oversimplifies the situation. People with OCD often struggle with controlling their obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and such a directive can be ineffective and frustrating for the client.

Choice D rationale:

Offering to "help you wash your hands" reinforces the client's compulsion rather than addressing the root cause of their anxiety. Enabling their compulsive behavior can contribute to the maintenance of their OCD symptoms.

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A client with OCD is concerned about their intrusive thoughts and the impact on their daily life. How should the nurse respond to the client's concerns?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is educating a group of nursing students about the differential diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) in comparison to other mental disorders. Which factor helps differentiate OCDs from other mental disorders?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who is experiencing an anxiety attack. The client is saying, "I have to wash my hands! I have to wash my hands!" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with OCD is telling the nurse about their symptoms. Which of the following statements is most likely made by the client?

A nurse is discussing pharmacological interventions for treating OCDs with a group of patients. Which statement accurately describes the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in OCD treatment?

A client with OCD expresses concerns about their medication. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further education?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is teaching a group of patients about pharmacological interventions for OCDs. Which medications are commonly used to treat OCDs? Select all that apply.

A client with OCD is concerned about the potential side effects of medication. The nurse explains that the choice of medication depends on several factors. Which factor is likely to influence the choice of medication for treating OCD?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected OCD. Which statements accurately describe characteristics of OCDs that help differentiate them from other mental disorders? Select all that apply.

A nurse is explaining the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to a group of nursing students. Which of the following statements accurately reflects one of the criteria for diagnosing OCD?

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assessing a group of clients for their understanding of treatment approaches for OCDs. Which options accurately describe cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and its components? Select all that apply.