A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?

A) Have a staff member escort the client to her room:

Having a staff member escort the client to her room might be perceived as restrictive and could potentially escalate the client's anxiety. It's important to give the client some autonomy and not force them into isolation.

B) Allow the client to pace alone until physically tired:

While allowing the client to pace alone might seem like a non-intrusive option, it lacks the therapeutic engagement that can help the client feel supported and understood. It's important for the nurse to actively engage with the client to establish a therapeutic relationship.

C) Instruct the client to sit down and stop pacing:

Instructing the client to stop pacing could potentially increase their agitation and anxiety. Forcing the client to sit down against their wishes might lead to resistance and hinder the development of trust between the nurse and the client.

D) Walk with the client at a gradually slower pace:

This is the correct answer. Walking with the client at a gradually slower pace is a therapeutic approach that allows the nurse to build rapport, provide support, and help the client regulate their emotions. It respects the client's need for movement while also addressing their emotional state.

A. Explain to the client that the behavior was unacceptable: While addressing the behavior is important, it is more effective to first establish clear limits and boundaries to prevent further incidents.

B. Explore the truth of the client’s statements: This step involves assessing the client's statements and understanding their perspective, which is important but can be done after setting behavioral limits.

C. Set behavioral limits for the client: Establishing clear behavioral limits is crucial for maintaining safety and order in the psychiatric unit. It helps ensure that the client understands what is expected of them and the consequences of unacceptable behavior. This is particularly important if the client has exhibited aggressive behavior, as it helps prevent further incidents and maintains a safe environment for everyone.

D. Establish a client relationship: Building a therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment, but it should be done in the context of a safe environment where clear behavioral expectations have already been established.