A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) Which brain circuit is thought to be involved in OCDs, and what are its main components responsible for regulating cognitive processes?

Limbic circuit consisting of the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus.

Central executive circuit comprising the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes.

Cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit including the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, striatum, and thalamus.

Ventral tegmental circuit involving the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale:

The limbic circuit consisting of the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus is not the main brain circuit involved in obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) The limbic circuit is more closely associated with emotions and memory, rather than the cognitive processes that drive OCD symptoms.

Choice B rationale:

The central executive circuit comprising the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions like decision-making and working memory. However, this circuit is not primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD.

Choice C rationale:

The correct choice. The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit plays a central role in the development of OCD. This circuit involves several key components: Orbitofrontal cortex: Responsible for assessing potential risks and rewards, and for decision-making. Anterior cingulate cortex: Involved in error detection, emotional processing, and regulating cognitive flexibility. Striatum: Responsible for habit formation and reward-based learning. Thalamus: Acts as a relay station for information between various brain regions. This circuit's malfunction can lead to repetitive behaviors and intrusive thoughts characteristic of OCD.

Choice D rationale:

The ventral tegmental circuit involving the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area is primarily associated with the brain's reward system and the regulation of mood and motivation. It is not a key player in OCD's pathophysiology.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The statement "I always arrange my books on the shelf from tallest to shortest" doesn't indicate an obsession. This behavior might suggest a preference for orderliness or arranging things systematically, but it lacks the distressing, unwanted nature of obsessions.

Choice B rationale:

"I feel an overwhelming urge to wash my hands every 30 minutes" indicates a compulsion rather than an obsession. The urge to wash hands frequently is driven by the need to alleviate anxiety or distress, which is the hallmark of compulsive behaviors.

Choice C rationale:

"I have a ritual of counting to 10 before entering any room" is also a compulsion. The ritual of counting serves as a way to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome associated with entering a room, suggesting a compulsive behavior.

Choice D rationale:

The statement "I keep having thoughts that my family will get hurt if I don't touch the doorknob three times" reflects an obsession. The distressing thought of family harm is the unwanted obsession, and the ritual of touching the doorknob three times is the compulsion aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by the obsession.

A. "We will completely avoid the situations that cause anxiety.” B. "You'll need to perform your compulsions while facing these situations.” C. "There's no need to confront your fears; they will go away on their own.” D. "You should only focus on situations that are easy to tolerate.”

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Avoiding situations that cause anxiety is counterproductive in exposure therapy, which is a common treatment for OCD. Exposure therapy involves gradual and controlled exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety. Avoidance reinforces the anxiety response and prevents habituation. Facing the situations that trigger anxiety is crucial for desensitization.

Choice B rationale:

This choice is correct because exposure therapy for OCD involves facing feared situations while refraining from engaging in compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. By gradually exposing the individual to these situations and preventing them from performing compulsions, the anxiety response diminishes over time.

Choice C rationale:

Telling the patient that their fears will go away on their own is inaccurate and dismissive of the distress that OCD can cause. OCD is a chronic condition that typically requires evidence-based interventions for symptom reduction. Ignoring the fears and hoping they will disappear without intervention is not a valid therapeutic approach.

Choice D rationale:

Focusing only on situations that are easy to tolerate would not be effective in exposure therapy. The essence of exposure therapy is to confront situations that provoke anxiety gradually, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and progressing to more challenging ones. This process helps the individual build resilience against anxiety triggers.

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A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) Which brain circuit is thought to be involved in OCDs, and what are its main components responsible for regulating cognitive processes?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Which statement by the client indicates an obsession?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is assisting a patient with OCD in developing a hierarchy of feared stimuli for exposure therapy. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate during this process?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a group of patients about treatment approaches for OCDs. Which statement accurately explains the rationale behind gradually increasing the dosage of medication during treatment?

(Select all that apply) A nurse is implementing interventions for a patient with OCD based on the Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) Which interventions would the nurse include for this patient?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with hoarding disorder. Which description accurately characterizes hoarding behavior?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with OCD. Which of the following findings is most likely to be present in the client's record?

A nurse is educating a group of patients with OCD about their condition. Which information should the nurse include in the education session?

A client with OCD is concerned about the potential side effects of medication. The nurse explains that the choice of medication depends on several factors. Which factor is likely to influence the choice of medication for treating OCD?

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?

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?