A nurse is assessing a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) The client reports that they have been having recurrent thoughts about contamination. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client?

Impaired social interaction.

Anxiety.

Risk for self-harm.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Impaired social interaction. This choice is not the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) experiencing recurrent thoughts about contamination. OCD primarily involves anxiety-driven behaviors and rituals rather than impaired social interaction.

Choice B rationale:

Anxiety. This is the correct answer. Given that the client is experiencing recurrent thoughts about contamination, the most appropriate nursing diagnosis is anxiety. OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and rituals driven by anxiety. Addressing the anxiety component is essential for effective treatment.

Choice C rationale:

Risk for self-harm. While individuals with severe OCD may experience distress, the given information does not indicate an immediate risk for self-harm. Anxiety is the more relevant issue in this scenario.

Choice D rationale:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This choice describes the client's condition rather than a nursing diagnosis. Nursing diagnoses are used to identify specific client problems that nurses can address through care and interventions.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This choice accurately reflects one of the criteria for diagnosing OCD. The obsessions (intrusive and distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts) experienced by individuals with OCD are usually connected to what they are trying to neutralize or prevent. For instance, if someone has an obsessive fear of contamination, their compulsions might involve excessive hand washing to neutralize this fear.

Choice B rationale:

While perfectionism and high standards can be associated with OCD, they are not a primary diagnostic criterion. OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions and compulsions that cause distress and significantly interfere with a person's daily life.

Choice C rationale:

This option is incorrect. The disturbance in OCD is not attributed to the physiological effects of substances or other medical conditions. It is a distinct mental health condition that is not solely a result of substance use or another medical issue.

Choice D rationale:

This option is incorrect. The symptoms of OCD should not be better explained by the symptoms of another mental disorder. While comorbidities can exist, OCD has its own unique set of obsessions and compulsions that differentiate it from other mental disorders.

A. Fear of heights and open spaces leading to avoidance behaviors. B. Repeatedly checking if the stove is turned off before leaving the house. C. Feeling the need to touch every object in a room an equal number of times. D. Persistent worry about a loved one's safety causing ritualistic prayers. E. Strong desire to organize items by color, shape, and size.

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.

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A nurse is assessing a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) The client reports that they have been having recurrent thoughts about contamination. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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 nurse is educating a group of patients with OCD about their condition. Which information should the nurse include in the education session?

(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.

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

A nurse is teaching a group of patients about treatment approaches for OCDs. Which statement accurately explains the rationale behind gradually increasing the dosage of medication during treatment?

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 hesitant about taking medication. Which potential benefit of pharmacological treatment could the nurse emphasize to encourage the client?

(Select all that apply):. A nurse is caring for a client with an eating disorder. What responsibilities should the nurse collaborate on with the multidisciplinary team? (Choose three.)

(Select all that apply). A client with OCD is experiencing impaired self-esteem due to their obsessions and compulsions. Which actions should the nurse take to promote the client's self-esteem?