A nurse is collecting data from a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and finds that the client demonstrates constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse should realize that the client's repetitive behaviors occur due to which of the following?
The client's attempt to decrease anxiety.
The client's wish to decrease the time available for interaction with others.
The client's unconscious need to manipulate others.
The client's delusion that cleaning is necessary.
The Correct Answer is A
As clients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often demonstrate repetitive behaviors to decrease anxiety. Cleaning or other repetitive behaviors help the client with OCD to cope with their anxiety by providing a sense of control over their environment.
Choice B, the client's wish to decrease the time available for interaction with others, is not a characteristic of OCD and does not explain the client's behavior. Choice C, the client's unconscious need to manipulate others, is a personality trait that is not associated with OCD.
Choice D, the client's delusion that cleaning is necessary, is not an accurate explanation for the behavior in this situation as the client is aware of their excessive cleaning behavior and it is not a delusion. The repetitive behavior is related to the client's anxiety, not a delusional belief.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
initiate one-to-one nursing observation, as this is the most urgent intervention to ensure the safety of the client. The client has a history of depression, substance abuse, anorexia nervosa, and attempted suicide, which indicates that they are at high risk for harm to themselves. One-to-one observation involves an assigned staff member who will be with the client at all times, ensuring their safety and preventing any further self-harm attempts.
Choice B, making a contract with the client for weight gain, is not an appropriate first action as it does not address the client's immediate safety concerns.
Choice C, administering the Hamilton depression scale, may be important to assess the client's depressive symptoms but is not the most urgent priority.
Choice D, reviewing the client's toxicology laboratory report, may be necessary for the overall assessment of the client, but safety comes first.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Whether the client is a danger to herself or others. When a client is involuntarily admitted to a mental health unit, they are held for an initial period of 72 hours for evaluation and treatment. Afterward, a determination must be made as to whether or not the client is still a danger to themselves or others to keep them in the hospital.
Choices A, C, and D do not address the primary concern of ongoing safety for the client and others.

For choice A, the client's financial status or their ability to pay for prescribed medications is not relevant to their safety or need for hospitalization.
For choice C, the client's ability to make arrangements to stay with someone is important for discharge planning but not for determining their need for ongoing hospitalization.
Finally, for choice D, whether the client is unwilling to accept treatment is important, but not the sole determining factor as to whether they are a danger to themselves or others.
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