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.”

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The statement that higher medication doses are needed to quickly suppress all obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors is not accurate. Medication dosages are adjusted based on individual response and tolerability, and the goal is not necessarily to use the highest dose possible.

Choice B rationale:

The correct answer. Starting with a low dose is a common practice in psychiatric medication management. This helps the body adjust to the medication gradually, reducing the likelihood and severity of side effects. As the body becomes accustomed to the medication, the dose can be gradually increased to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Choice C rationale:

The goal of achieving complete relief from obsessions and compulsions within a few days is an unrealistic expectation. Psychiatric medications typically require time to take effect, often several weeks, and complete relief might not occur for all individuals.

Choice D rationale:

A. "It's okay, you don't have to wash your hands.” B. "I understand that you're feeling anxious. Let's talk about what's going on.” C. "You need to calm down and stop thinking about washing your hands.” D. "I'll help you wash your hands.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Telling the client "It's okay, you don't have to wash your hands" might invalidate the client's feelings and fears, leading to increased anxiety. The client's compulsion to wash their hands is driven by their obsessive thoughts, and dismissing this behavior can be counterproductive.

Choice B rationale:

The correct response acknowledges the client's anxiety and opens a conversation about their feelings. This approach helps build a therapeutic relationship and provides an opportunity for the client to express their concerns. It's essential to address the underlying anxieties associated with OCD to promote better coping strategies.

Choice C rationale:

Telling the client to "calm down and stop thinking about washing your hands" oversimplifies the situation. People with OCD often struggle with controlling their obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and such a directive can be ineffective and frustrating for the client.

Choice D rationale:

Offering to "help you wash your hands" reinforces the client's compulsion rather than addressing the root cause of their anxiety. Enabling their compulsive behavior can contribute to the maintenance of their OCD symptoms.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who is experiencing an anxiety attack. The client is saying, "I have to wash my hands! I have to wash my hands!" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected OCD. Which statements accurately describe characteristics of OCDs that help differentiate them from other mental disorders? Select all that apply.

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 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?

(Select all that apply) A nurse is implementing interventions for a patient with OCD based on the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) Which interventions would the nurse include for this patient?

A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who has a compulsion to wash their hands repeatedly. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

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

A client with OCD is undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) The client asks the nurse, "How does exposure and response prevention work in treating OCD?" Which response by the nurse accurately explains this aspect of CBT?

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