A nurse is providing care for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate in this situation?
"You need to stop these behaviors immediately to overcome your disorder.”
"Try to distract yourself whenever you feel the urge to perform a compulsion.”
"It's important to give in to your compulsions to relieve your anxiety.”
"Let's work together to develop strategies to gradually reduce these behaviors over time.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
The nurse should not tell the client to stop their behaviors immediately, as this approach is likely to increase anxiety and distress. Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often find it challenging to abruptly stop their compulsions, and attempting to do so can lead to heightened anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
Distracting oneself from the urge to perform compulsions might provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issues of OCD. It is essential to work on strategies that target the reduction of compulsions and the management of anxiety associated with them.
Choice C rationale:
Giving in to compulsions might temporarily relieve anxiety, but it reinforces the cycle of OCD behavior. Encouraging the client to give in to compulsions is counterproductive to the treatment of OCD, which involves breaking the pattern of compulsive behavior.
Choice D rationale:
This is the correct choice. Collaboratively developing strategies to gradually reduce compulsive behaviors is a standard approach in treating OCD. This method is aligned with exposure and response prevention therapy, a well-established treatment for OCD. By gradually facing the situations that trigger obsessive thoughts and then refraining from performing compulsions, clients can learn to manage their anxiety and reduce their reliance on compulsive behaviors.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Teaching the client about the history of OCD might provide insight into the disorder's background, but it is not the priority when the client is currently experiencing distress. Addressing the immediate distress takes precedence over historical information.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct because relaxation techniques can help alleviate the client's distress in the moment. These techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness exercises, can help the client manage their anxiety and reduce the impact of obsessive thoughts.
Choice C rationale:
While providing information about medication options is important, it might not be the initial intervention when the client is in a state of distress. Medication discussions are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan and should be addressed after addressing the client's immediate distress.
Choice D rationale:
Initiating exposure therapy sessions might exacerbate the client's distress at this point. Exposure therapy involves deliberately confronting feared situations, and it's important to prepare the client for this type of intervention before initiating it. Starting with relaxation techniques is a more appropriate approach.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates a need for further education. For medications used to treat OCD, consistent and regular dosing is important for their effectiveness. Taking medication only when feeling anxious could lead to inconsistent blood levels of the medication, potentially diminishing its therapeutic effects.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I should report any side effects to my doctor" is accurate and does not indicate a need for further education. Reporting side effects to the doctor is a responsible and informed approach to medication management.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "It's important to continue taking my medication even if I start feeling better" is correct. Often, individuals with OCD may experience improvement in symptoms but need to continue the medication regimen to maintain the positive effects and prevent relapse.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I'll stop taking my medication if I experience any discomfort" indicates a need for further education. Discomfort is a broad term that could encompass various mild side effects or adjustments that might be necessary when starting a new medication. It's important not to discontinue medication abruptly without consulting a healthcare provider.
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