A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who is refusing to leave their room because they are afraid of contamination. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?
Encourage the client to talk about their fears.
Set limits on the client's behavior.
Assist the client in gradual exposure to feared situations.
Provide the client with relaxation techniques.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to "talk about their fears" might be a beneficial intervention in some cases, but for individuals with OCD who are struggling with compulsive behaviors driven by their fears, directly addressing exposure to those fears is a more effective approach.
Choice B rationale:
While setting limits on the client's behavior is important, it may not be the priority in this situation. Instead, assisting the client in gradually confronting their fears through exposure therapy can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Choice C rationale:
The correct response emphasizes gradual exposure therapy, a well-established approach in treating OCD. This intervention helps the client confront their fears in a controlled and systematic manner, leading to desensitization and reduction in their anxiety over time.
Choice D rationale:
Providing relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety, but for someone with OCD who is avoiding situations due to contamination fears, the primary intervention should focus on exposure therapy to address the specific OCD-related fears.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
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.
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