A home-health nurse is assessing a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and finds that the client demonstrates constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse knows that this behavior is an attempt to accomplish which of the following?
Decrease the time available for interaction with people
Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors
Decrease anxiety.
Manipulate others
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Use touch to calm the client during periods of anxiety:
Individuals with paranoid schizophrenia may have heightened sensitivity to touch, and it can potentially exacerbate their anxiety or paranoia. This intervention may not be appropriate as it could escalate the client's distress.
B. Check the client's mouth after the client takes medication:
This is the best choice. People with paranoid schizophrenia may be prone to hoarding or pocketing medications. Checking the client's mouth ensures that the medication has been swallowed, promoting medication adherence and preventing potential harm.
C. Rotate the staff assignments for this client:
Consistency in caregivers is generally preferred for clients with schizophrenia to build trust and a therapeutic relationship. Constantly changing staff assignments can lead to increased anxiety and mistrust.
D. Assign an assistive personnel to feed the client at meal times:
While assistance with feeding may be needed, assigning an assistive personnel without direct supervision for a client with paranoid schizophrenia may not be the best approach. It's important to ensure the client's safety and monitor their behavior during meals.

Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A nurse asks a client if they have any cultural beliefs the nurse needs to be aware of: This example demonstrates cultural competence as the nurse is actively seeking information about the client's cultural beliefs, practices, and preferences. It reflects an understanding that cultural factors can influence healthcare and the client-nurse relationship.
B. A nurse tells a client about the nurse's own cultural background: While sharing cultural information can be a part of building rapport, the focus of cultural competence is on understanding and respecting the client's cultural background, not necessarily sharing the nurse's own cultural background.
C. A nurse observes a client's actions and reports they do not see any cultural practices: This approach is limited, as cultural practices may not always be visible or evident in a clinical setting. Cultural competence involves actively seeking information from the client rather than making assumptions based on observations.
D. A nurse checks a client's chart for any notes on culture: While reviewing a client's chart for cultural information is part of cultural competence, it is not a complete approach. Direct communication with the client about their cultural beliefs and preferences is essential for a comprehensive understanding.
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