A nurse is caring for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The nurse understands that the pharmacological treatment for OCD often involves the use of which of the following medications? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Completely eliminate anxiety symptoms. While this might be an ideal goal, it's not always achievable due to the nature of anxiety disorders. Anxiety is a normal human emotion, and the goal of treatment is to manage it rather than eliminate it completely.

Choice B rationale:

Reduce the severity and frequency of anxiety symptoms. This is the correct goal of pharmacological treatment for anxiety disorders. Complete elimination of anxiety symptoms is often unrealistic, but reducing their severity and frequency can significantly improve the patient's quality of life.

Choice C rationale:

Treat the underlying cause of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are multifactorial, involving genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. While addressing underlying causes is important, pharmacological treatment primarily aims to manage symptoms rather than target the complex underlying causes.

Choice D rationale:

Prevent comorbidities associated with anxiety disorders. While effective anxiety treatment can potentially prevent some comorbidities, such as depression, the primary focus of pharmacological treatment is directly on managing anxiety symptoms rather than solely preventing associated conditions.

Choice A rationale:

"I feel like something bad is going to happen." This statement is similar to the correct answer, but it lacks the specific phrase "impending doom," which is a hallmark description in anxiety-related disorders.

Choice B rationale:

"My heart is racing, and I can't catch my breath." This statement focuses on physiological symptoms and doesn't capture the broader sense of anxiety and apprehension that the patient is expressing.

Choice C rationale:

"I feel anxious and restless." While this choice captures the patient's emotional state, it doesn't include the crucial phrase "impending doom," which is a common and specific expression of anxiety.

Choice D rationale:

"I have a feeling of impending doom." This statement precisely captures the patient's description of their emotions and physical sensations, which is characteristic of anxiety and panic disorders. It reflects the patient's perception of a potential catastrophe about to occur.