The nurse is teaching relaxation techniques to a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When should the nurse teach relaxation techniques to the client?
After the client has taken medication.
When the client is performing a repetitive ritual.
Just before the client goes to bed.
When the client is experiencing low anxiety levels.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Teaching relaxation techniques after medication may not be as effective because the client might be under the influence of the medication, which could interfere with learning the techniques.
Choice B reason: Atempting to teach relaxation techniques during a ritual can increase the client's anxiety and resistance, as rituals are often used by individuals with OCD to manage their anxiety.
Choice C reason: While bedtime could be a calm time, it's not specifically targeted towards managing anxiety levels, which is crucial for clients with OCD.
Choice D reason: Teaching relaxation techniques when the client is experiencing low anxiety levels is most beneficial. The client is more likely to be receptive and retain the information, which can then be applied during higher anxiety periods.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This choice is incorrect. Flooding is a different technique from desensitization and involves intense and immediate exposure to the feared stimulus, which can be overwhelming and is not the gradual approach used in desensitization.
Choice B reason: This choice is incorrect. Simply teaching a patient to ignore or become immune to anxiety- producing situations does not address the underlying fear and is not a technique used in desensitization therapy.
Choice C reason: This choice is incorrect. While cognitive techniques may be part of a broader therapeutic approach, they are not the same as desensitization, which specifically involves gradual exposure combined with relaxation techniques.
Choice D reason: This is the correct choice. Desensitization therapy, also known as systematic desensitization, is a behavioral therapy technique that involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared object or situation while teaching them relaxation techniques to overcome their anxiety.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Medication is not a defining feature of all mental illnesses. While medications can be a part of treatment for many psychiatric conditions, not all mental illnesses require medication. Some may be managed with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, or other non-pharmacological interventions.
Choice B reason: Self-awareness or acknowledgment of difficulties is not a prerequisite for a mental illness diagnosis. Many individuals may not realize they have a mental health condition, especially in cases of severe mental illness or when insight is affected.
Choice C reason: The presence of difficulties in functioning that cause significant distress or impairment is a core aspect of mental illness. These difficulties can manifest in various areas such as social, work, or family activities, and are a key factor in diagnosing mental health conditions.
Choice D reason: While physiological symptoms can accompany certain mental health conditions, they are not a defining feature of all mental illnesses. Mental illness primarily involves significant changes in thinking, emotion, and/or behavior.
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