A client with OCD is experiencing distress and anxiety due to obsessions. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to reduce the client's distress?

Teaching the client about the history of OCD.

Assisting the client with relaxation techniques.

Providing information about medication options.

Initiating exposure therapy sessions.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Teaching the client about the history of OCD might provide insight into the disorder's background, but it is not the priority when the client is currently experiencing distress. Addressing the immediate distress takes precedence over historical information.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is correct because relaxation techniques can help alleviate the client's distress in the moment. These techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness exercises, can help the client manage their anxiety and reduce the impact of obsessive thoughts.

Choice C rationale:

While providing information about medication options is important, it might not be the initial intervention when the client is in a state of distress. Medication discussions are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan and should be addressed after addressing the client's immediate distress.

Choice D rationale:

Initiating exposure therapy sessions might exacerbate the client's distress at this point. Exposure therapy involves deliberately confronting feared situations, and it's important to prepare the client for this type of intervention before initiating it. Starting with relaxation techniques is a more appropriate approach.

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Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

While fear of heights and open spaces leading to avoidance behaviors can be associated with anxiety disorders, it is not a typical theme for obsessions and compulsions in individuals with OCD. OCD themes usually revolve around repetitive thoughts and behaviors that aim to alleviate distress or prevent feared outcomes.

Choice B rationale:

The repeated checking of the stove being turned off before leaving the house is a common obsession and compulsion in individuals with OCD. This behavior stems from the fear of potential harm or danger (e.g., fire) and the compulsive act of checking is performed to reduce anxiety related to the obsession.

Choice C rationale:

Feeling the need to touch every object in a room an equal number of times is another manifestation of OCD. This behavior is driven by the obsession of achieving symmetry, balance, or a sense of completeness through compulsive rituals like touching.

Choice D rationale:

Persistent worry about a loved one's safety causing ritualistic prayers is also a theme seen in OCD. Individuals may feel compelled to engage in repetitive prayers or rituals to protect their loved ones from harm due to their obsessive fears.

Choice E rationale:

The strong desire to organize items by color, shape, and size is more indicative of perfectionism or certain personality traits rather than a typical theme in OCD. OCD usually involves distressing and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and the corresponding rituals or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing the distress.

A. The client's obsessions and compulsions are consistent with their self-image. B. The client engages in compulsions to achieve pleasurable outcomes. C. The client's obsessions and compulsions are not causing significant distress. D. The client recognizes that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The observation that the client's obsessions and compulsions are consistent with their self-image would not necessarily support the diagnosis of OCD. This could be applicable to other mental disorders as well, where the symptoms align with the individual's self-concept.

Choice B rationale:

If the client engages in compulsions to achieve pleasurable outcomes, this might suggest a different perspective. OCD compulsions are typically performed to alleviate distress or prevent a feared event, not for achieving pleasure.

Choice C rationale:

If the client's obsessions and compulsions are not causing significant distress, this could point towards other disorders or even potentially normal behavior. OCD is characterized by the distress caused by the obsessions and the urge to perform compulsions to alleviate this distress.

Choice D rationale:

The correct answer. In OCD, individuals are aware that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and excessive. This self-awareness differentiates OCD from other disorders where the beliefs and behaviors might be seen as reasonable by the individual.

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A client with OCD is experiencing distress and anxiety due to obsessions. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to reduce the client's distress?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is educating a client who has been diagnosed with various types of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) Select all the themes that can categorize obsessions and compulsions in individuals with OCD.

Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]

Explanation

A client is being evaluated for potential OCD. The nurse explains the differential diagnosis process. Which observation supports the diagnosis of OCD rather than another mental disorder?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who is refusing to leave their room because they are afraid of contamination. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

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 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?

A nurse is providing care to a client with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) What intervention would be most appropriate to include in the client's care plan?

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?

A client with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is explaining their experiences to a nurse. Which statements by the client indicate symptoms of BDD? Select all that apply.

A nurse is assisting a patient with OCD in developing a hierarchy of feared stimuli for exposure therapy. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate during this process?

A client with OCD is experiencing distress and anxiety due to obsessions. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize to reduce the client's distress?