A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?
Focus attention on meaningful tasks.
Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level.
Manipulate and control others' behaviors.
Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.
The Correct Answer is B
While the behavior may occupy the client's time and attention, the primary motivation behind OCD-related compulsions is not to engage in meaningful tasks but rather to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.
B. Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level.
Explanation: Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as cleaning, organizing, or checking, as a way to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts. In this scenario, the client's constant picking up after others is likely a compulsive behavior that serves the purpose of decreasing their anxiety to a tolerable level. The act of tidying up may temporarily alleviate the distress caused by obsessive thoughts related to cleanliness, order, or potential harm.
C. Manipulate and control others' behaviors.
The behavior described does not inherently indicate a desire to manipulate or control others. The behavior is driven by the client's internal anxiety rather than an intention to control external factors.
D. Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.
The behavior is more closely related to managing anxiety than limiting social interactions. OCD-related behaviors are driven by the need to reduce distress, not necessarily to avoid interacting with others.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "You are being unreasonable, and I will not call your doctor at this hour."
This response is confrontational and dismissive of the client's request. It does not promote a therapeutic interaction and might escalate the situation.
B. "Go back to your room, and I'll try to get in touch with your doctor."
This response might temporarily calm the client, but it’s misleading if the nurse does not intend to call the doctor. It also avoids addressing the client's immediate emotional needs and could result in a loss of trust if the nurse doesn’t follow through.
C. "You must be very upset about something."
This is the most therapeutic response. It acknowledges the client’s feelings without judgment and opens up communication. It allows the nurse to explore the client’s concerns, which is essential in providing appropriate care and support in a psychiatric setting.
D. "I can't call a doctor in the middle of the night unless it's an emergency."
While this statement is factually correct, it can come across as dismissive and could escalate the client's agitation. It does not acknowledge the client's emotions and might make the client feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Praise the client for looking at herself in a mirror.
While body image concerns are common in anorexia nervosa, praising the client for looking at herself in a mirror may inadvertently reinforce the focus on appearance and body image, which can be counterproductive.
B. Ask the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever she feels the urge to exercise.
Explanation: For a client with anorexia nervosa, overexercising can be part of the unhealthy behaviors associated with the disorder. Collaborative communication is important in addressing and managing these behaviors. Asking the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever the urge to exercise arises is a supportive approach. It allows the nurse to provide emotional support, explore the client's motivations and triggers for overexercising, and work together on finding healthier coping strategies.
C. Reprimand the client about the potential damage that has occurred due to overexercising her body.
Reprimanding the client may lead to feelings of guilt and shame, which are counterproductive in supporting recovery. A more empathetic and supportive approach is needed.
D. Restrict the client from being weighed.
Restricting the client from being weighed might exacerbate anxiety around weight gain and contribute to the client's preoccupation with weight. However, monitoring weight under the supervision of healthcare professionals is important in managing anorexia nervosa.
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