An adult client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a daily, complex handwashing ritual that takes two hours or longer to complete.
The client worries about staying clean and refuses to sit on any of the chairs in the day area.
This client's handwashing is an example of which clinical behavior?
Addiction.
Phobia.
Compulsion.
Obsession.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Addiction involves a dependence on a substance or behavior that leads to withdrawal symptoms when the substance or behavior is discontinued. The client's handwashing behavior is not related to addiction.
Choice B rationale:
Phobia refers to an irrational and intense fear of a specific object or situation. While the client's avoidance of sitting on chairs in the day area may be related to anxiety, it does not represent a specific phobia.
Choice C rationale:
Compulsion is the correct answer because the client's handwashing ritual is an example of compulsive behavior. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. In this case, the client is compelled to engage in the ritual to alleviate anxiety or distress.
Choice D rationale:
Obsession refers to persistent and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress and anxiety. While the client's handwashing ritual may be related to obsessive thoughts about cleanliness, the primary clinical behavior being exhibited is the compulsive handwashing itself.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Provide a safe and calm environment for the client during a panic attack. Creating a safe and calm environment is crucial during a panic attack. It can help the client feel more secure and reduce the intensity and duration of the panic attack.
Choice B rationale:
Use therapeutic communication skills to establish rapport and trust with the client. Therapeutic communication is essential for clients with panic disorder. It helps establish a trusting relationship between the nurse and the client, which is crucial for effective treatment and support.
Choice C rationale:
Educate the client about panic disorder and its treatment options. Educating the client about their condition and available treatment options empowers them to make informed decisions about their care. It also reduces anxiety and fear associated with the disorder.
Choice D rationale:
Encourage the client to participate in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a well-established and effective treatment for panic disorder. Encouraging the client to participate in CBT can help them develop coping strategies and manage their symptoms.
Choice E rationale:
Refer the client to self-help groups for peer support and education. Self-help groups can provide valuable peer support and education to individuals with panic disorder. Being part of such a group can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical advice for managing the condition.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Safety is the priority when a client experiences auditory hallucinations. The nurse must determine if the voices are "command hallucinations" that might instruct the client to harm themselves or others.
Choice B rationale: While substance use can cause psychosis, this is a secondary assessment. Identifying immediate risk for violence or self-harm takes precedence over determining the specific chemical etiology of the behavior.
Choice C rationale: Establishing the onset of symptoms helps with chronic versus acute diagnosis, but it does not address the immediate safety risk posed by potentially dangerous instructions from the voices.
Choice D rationale: Assessing the client's insight into their condition is important for long-term treatment planning, but it is less critical than identifying the content and intent of the hallucinations.
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