An adult client is admitted to the psychiatric unit due to a daily, intricate handwashing ritual that lasts two hours or more.

The client is concerned about maintaining cleanliness and refuses to sit on any chairs in the day area.

This client’s handwashing is indicative of what type of clinical behavior?

Choice A rationale
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones in your joints gradually deteriorates. Osteoarthritis symptoms often develop slowly and worsen over time. They can include: Pain in the joint during or after use, or after periods of inactivity, Tenderness in the joint when you apply light pressure to or near it, Stiffness in the joint, that may be most noticeable when you wake up in the morning or after a period of inactivity, Loss of flexibility in the joint, Grating sensation or sound when you use the joint. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of osteoarthritis.

Choice B rationale
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Tender, warm, swollen joints, Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity, Fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. The client’s symptoms align with those of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Choice C rationale
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand and arm. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a compressed nerve in the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. The anatomy of your wrist, health problems and possibly repetitive hand motions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Choice D rationale
Gout is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It’s characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. An attack of gout can occur suddenly, often waking you up in the middle of the night with the sensation that your big toe is on fire. The affected joint is hot, swollen and so tender that even the weight of the sheet on it may seem intolerable. But in this case, the client’s symptoms do not align with those of Gout.

The correct answer is Choice A

Choice A rationale: Crohn’s disease involves transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to hypermotility and increased peristalsis. Activity restriction reduces sympathetic stimulation, thereby minimizing intestinal motility and mechanical stress on inflamed mucosa. This helps prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promotes mucosal rest. By limiting physical exertion, the body can redirect energy toward immune modulation and tissue repair. Normal bowel motility varies, but excessive activity worsens inflammation and nutrient malabsorption in Crohn’s pathology.

Choice B rationale: While diarrhea is a common symptom in Crohn’s disease, activity restriction does not directly modulate stool frequency or water reabsorption. Diarrhea results from mucosal damage, cytokine-mediated secretion, and impaired absorption, not physical activity. Management typically involves anti-inflammatory agents, antidiarrheals, and dietary modifications. Restricting movement may indirectly reduce diarrhea by decreasing intestinal stimulation, but it is not the primary mechanism. Stool water content normally ranges from 60–85%, and inflammation disrupts this balance.

Choice C rationale: Healing in Crohn’s disease is multifactorial, involving immunosuppression, mucosal regeneration, and nutritional support. While rest contributes to systemic recovery, it is not the primary driver of mucosal healing. Healing requires suppression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory mediators. Activity restriction may support healing indirectly by reducing metabolic demand and stress hormone release, but pharmacologic and nutritional interventions are more central. Normal mucosal turnover occurs every 3–5 days, but inflammation delays this process.

Choice D rationale: Abdominal pain in Crohn’s disease arises from transmural inflammation, bowel distension, and neural sensitization. Although rest may reduce visceral stimulation, pain control is better achieved through anti-inflammatory therapy, bowel rest, and analgesics. Activity restriction does not directly modulate nociceptive pathways or cytokine levels. Pain perception involves complex neuroimmune interactions, and physical rest alone cannot address the underlying pathology. Normal visceral pain thresholds are altered in Crohn’s due to chronic inflammation and fibrosis.