A nurse is providing care to a client with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) What intervention would be most appropriate to include in the client's care plan?
Encouraging the client to suppress the urge to pull hair whenever possible.
Exploring ways to camouflage the hair loss and lessen its visibility.
Assisting the client in finding replacement behaviors for hair-pulling.
Suggesting the client avoid mirrors to decrease the focus on appearance.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging suppression of the urge to pull hair might worsen the client's anxiety and tension associated with trichotillomania. This approach may not address the underlying issues and could lead to increased distress.
Choice B rationale:
Camouflaging hair loss can be a practical approach, but it does not address the compulsive behavior itself. It focuses on hiding the consequences of the disorder rather than addressing the core issue.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting the client in finding replacement behaviors is the most appropriate intervention. This approach helps redirect the urge to pull hair into healthier alternatives, helping the client manage the compulsive behavior in a constructive manner.
Choice D rationale:
Avoiding mirrors might be counterproductive. For some individuals with trichotillomania, avoiding mirrors might increase anxiety and preoccupation, as they may feel disconnected from their appearance. It's important to address the underlying behavior rather than avoiding triggers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions in OCD are ego-dystonic, not ego-syntonic. Ego-dystonic refers to thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that are perceived as incompatible with one's self-concept. In OCD, individuals recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unwanted, which causes distress.
Choice B rationale:
The connection of obsessions and compulsions to positive outcomes is not a distinguishing factor for OCD. In fact, obsessions and compulsions often lead to distress and interfere with daily functioning.
Choice C rationale:
The presence of distress or impairment is a key factor that helps differentiate OCD from other mental disorders. Unlike some other conditions where the behaviors or thoughts might not distress the individual, OCD is characterized by the distress caused by the irrational and unwanted obsessions and compulsions.
Choice D rationale:
This choice is the correct answer. Individuals with OCD recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and excessive, but they struggle to control them. This recognition is a hallmark of OCD and helps differentiate it from other conditions where the person might not be aware of the irrationality of their behavior.
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.
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