A home-health nurse is assessing a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and observes that the client engages in constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse knows that this behavior is an attempt to accomplish which of the following?

Choice A reason: OCD behaviors are not typically aimed at preventing aggressive and impulsive behaviors but are a response to anxiety-provoking obsessions.

Choice B reason: The repetitive behaviors associated with OCD, such as cleaning, are not intended to manipulate others but are compulsions that the individual feels driven to perform.

Choice C reason: The goal of repetitive cleaning in OCD is not to decrease social interaction time but to alleviate the distress caused by obsessive thoughts, often related to cleanliness or contamination.

Choice D reason: Repetitive cleaning in OCD is a compulsion that aims to decrease the anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. It is a way for the individual to manage their anxiety and gain a sense of control over their environment.

Choice A reason: Gastric lavage is not indicated in this scenario as the client's lithium level is not extremely elevated. Gastric lavage is typically reserved for cases of acute lithium toxicity when levels are significantly higher than the therapeutic range.

Choice B reason: There is no need to hold the medication as the lithium level is within the normal therapeutic range, which is generally between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Early manifestations of toxicity typically occur at levels above 1.5 mEq/L.

Choice C reason: Checking the client's medication record is a standard procedure but does not take precedence over administering the medication. The lithium level indicates that the client has been compliant with the medication regimen.

Choice D reason: The nurse should administer the morning dose of lithium because the current level is within the therapeutic range, indicating that it is safe to continue the prescribed treatment.