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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions are aimed at reducing anxiety or distress. This statement accurately describes a characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing the distress caused by the obsessions. These behaviors are performed in response to the distress and are intended to alleviate it. For example, if someone has an obsession about contamination, their compulsion might involve excessive hand washing to alleviate the anxiety associated with the obsession.
Choice B rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions are consistent with the individual's self-image. This statement is not accurate in differentiating OCD from other mental disorders. Obsessions and compulsions in OCD often involve themes that are inconsistent with the individual's self-image and are not representative of their true desires or intentions. For instance, someone with OCD might have obsessions about harming others, even if they have no actual desire to do so. These obsessions are not aligned with their self-image.
Choice C rationale:
The individual recognizes that obsessions and compulsions are irrational. This statement accurately describes another characteristic of OCD. People with OCD typically recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unreasonable, but they feel compelled to engage in these behaviors to alleviate anxiety. This recognition of the irrational nature of their thoughts and actions is a distinguishing feature of OCD, differentiating it from other disorders where the person might not have such insight into the irrationality of their behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions may lead to positive emotional outcomes. This statement is not accurate in the context of OCD. Obsessions and compulsions are not aimed at achieving positive emotional outcomes. Instead, they are performed to reduce distress or anxiety. The relief gained from engaging in compulsions is temporary and often followed by a cycle of escalating compulsions to achieve the same level of relief, which contributes to the perpetuation of the disorder.
Choice E rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions cause impairment in daily functioning. This statement accurately describes another characteristic of OCD. The obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD can be time-consuming and interfere significantly with a person's daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. These behaviors can lead to impaired occupational and social functioning, making this statement a distinguishing feature of OCD.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"SSRIs primarily target glutamate modulation in the brain." This statement is inaccurate. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) primarily target the modulation of serotonin levels in the brain, not glutamate. These medications work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and helps regulate mood and anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
"SSRIs work by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain to reduce obsessions and compulsions." This statement accurately describes the role of SSRIs in treating OCD. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, and imbalances in serotonin have been implicated in OCD. By increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, SSRIs can help reduce the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
Choice C rationale:
"SSRIs are used to enhance positive emotional outcomes in individuals with OCD." This statement is not accurate. While SSRIs can improve mood and reduce anxiety, their primary role in treating OCD is to alleviate the symptoms of obsessions and compulsions by affecting neurotransmitter levels. They are not specifically used to enhance positive emotional outcomes.
Choice D rationale:
"SSRIs are reserved for individuals who have ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions." This statement is incorrect. Ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions are those that are consistent with a person's self-image and beliefs, and individuals may not feel a strong need to resist or change them. SSRIs are used to treat both ego-dystonic (inconsistent with self-image) and ego-syntonic obsessions and compulsions in OCD, as these medications target the underlying neurochemical imbalances that contribute to the disorder's symptoms.
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