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?
"We will completely avoid the situations that cause anxiety.”
"You'll need to perform your compulsions while facing these situations.”
"There's no need to confront your fears; they will go away on their own.”
"You should only focus on situations that are easy to tolerate.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Avoiding situations that cause anxiety is counterproductive in exposure therapy, which is a common treatment for OCD. Exposure therapy involves gradual and controlled exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety. Avoidance reinforces the anxiety response and prevents habituation. Facing the situations that trigger anxiety is crucial for desensitization.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct because exposure therapy for OCD involves facing feared situations while refraining from engaging in compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. By gradually exposing the individual to these situations and preventing them from performing compulsions, the anxiety response diminishes over time.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the patient that their fears will go away on their own is inaccurate and dismissive of the distress that OCD can cause. OCD is a chronic condition that typically requires evidence-based interventions for symptom reduction. Ignoring the fears and hoping they will disappear without intervention is not a valid therapeutic approach.
Choice D rationale:
Focusing only on situations that are easy to tolerate would not be effective in exposure therapy. The essence of exposure therapy is to confront situations that provoke anxiety gradually, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and progressing to more challenging ones. This process helps the individual build resilience against anxiety triggers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Taking the SSRI in the morning might be recommended to mitigate potential sleep disturbances related to the medication. However, the client's reported difficulty sleeping is likely influenced by factors beyond the timing of medication administration.
Choice B rationale:
The correct response addresses lifestyle modifications that can improve sleep quality. Caffeine and alcohol are known to disrupt sleep, especially when taken close to bedtime. Avoiding these substances can promote better sleep for the client.
Choice C rationale:
Regular exercise can indeed contribute to improved sleep, but its effect might vary for individuals. While exercise can be part of a healthy routine, it might not directly address the client's reported difficulty sleeping due to the SSRI.
Choice D rationale:
Taking a warm bath before bed can promote relaxation and potentially aid in sleep, but it might not be as effective in resolving the client's specific sleep problems related to SSRI use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement that medication will provide immediate relief from all symptoms is an overgeneralization. While medication can help alleviate symptoms, the relief might not be immediate and might not cover all symptoms comprehensively.
Choice B rationale:
Medication modifying self-image and values is not a recognized benefit of pharmacological treatment for OCD. This choice does not align with the established mechanisms of action of the medications used for OCD.
Choice C rationale:
The correct answer. Medication's potential to reduce the severity of obsessions and compulsions is a relevant benefit to highlight. While it might not eliminate symptoms entirely, it can make them more manageable and improve the individual's overall quality of life.
Choice D rationale:
The statement that medication will eliminate the need for any psychotherapeutic interventions is overly optimistic. A comprehensive treatment approach for OCD often includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy for optimal results.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
