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?
Addiction
Compulsion
Obsession
Phobia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Addiction refers to a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The intricate handwashing ritual that lasts two hours or more described by the client does not indicate substance use or dependency, which are common characteristics of addiction.
Choice B rationale
Compulsion refers to repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. The client’s intricate handwashing ritual that lasts two hours or more and their concern about maintaining cleanliness align with the definition of a compulsion.
Choice C rationale
Obsession refers to recurrent and persistent thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced, at some time during the disturbance, as intrusive and unwanted. While the client’s concern about maintaining cleanliness could potentially be seen as an obsession, the act of handwashing is a behavior, which aligns more with the definition of a compulsion.
Choice D rationale
Phobia refers to an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something. The client’s behavior does not indicate an extreme or irrational fear but rather a compulsion to maintain cleanliness through an intricate handwashing ritual.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice D rationale
Scheduling frequent rest periods can help manage the fatigue and concentration problems reported by the client. These symptoms are common in clients with CKD and elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels.
Choice A rationale
Administering PRN oxygen may not be necessary unless the client is showing signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia. There is no indication of this in the question.
Choice B rationale
Providing high protein snacks is not recommended for clients with CKD. High protein diets can increase the workload on the kidneys and worsen kidney function.
Choice C rationale
Monitoring glucose levels every 4 hours is not directly related to the client’s reported symptoms or the elevated BUN and serum creatinine levels.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.
Choice B rationale
Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.
Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
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