A client who has bipolar disorder approaches the nurse and reveals fresh, self-inflicted, superficial cuts going up and down his right arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Note escalating behaviors and intervene immediately:

This option prioritizes the client's safety by addressing escalating behaviors promptly. Bizarre behaviors, neologisms, and thought insertion may indicate a severe episode of psychosis, and timely intervention is crucial to prevent harm to the client or others.

B. Interpret attempts at communication:

While understanding and interpreting communication are important, in a situation with escalating behaviors and potential safety concerns, immediate intervention takes precedence. Communication interpretation can follow once the safety of the client has been ensured.

C. Assess for medication noncompliance:

Medication noncompliance can contribute to exacerbation of symptoms, but in an acute situation where safety is a concern, addressing immediate behaviors takes precedence. Medication assessment can be done in the context of a more comprehensive assessment after the immediate safety concerns have been addressed.

D. Assess triggers for bizarre, inappropriate behaviors:

Identifying triggers is important for understanding the underlying causes of the behavior, but in the context of escalating behaviors and potential safety issues, immediate intervention to de-escalate the situation is the priority. Triggers can be explored once the immediate safety concerns are addressed.

Individuals with OCD often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive cleaning, as a way to alleviate or decrease anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. In the context of OCD, obsessions are intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to the obsessions.

A. Decrease the time available for interaction with people:

While individuals with OCD may isolate themselves due to their symptoms, the primary motivation for repetitive behaviors like cleaning is to manage anxiety, not necessarily to avoid interaction with others.

B. Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors:

OCD compulsions are not typically aimed at preventing aggressive or impulsive behaviors. They are driven by the need to reduce distress related to obsessive thoughts.

C. Decrease anxiety:

This is the correct answer. Compulsive behaviors in OCD are often ritualistic actions performed to reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. Cleaning, in this case, is a way for the individual to feel a sense of control and alleviate anxiety.

D. Manipulate others

The primary motive behind OCD compulsions is to manage personal anxiety, not to manipulate others. Individuals with OCD often recognize that their compulsions are excessive or irrational, but they feel driven to perform them to alleviate anxiety.