A home-health nurse is assessing a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and finds that the client demonstrates constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse knows that this behavior is an attempt to accomplish which of the following?
Decrease the time available for interaction with people
Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors
Decrease anxiety.
Manipulate others
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Generalized anxiety disorder and a nursing diagnosis of fear: Generalized anxiety disorder typically involves chronic, excessive worrying and anxiety that is not limited to specific situations or triggers. The sudden and intense symptoms described in the scenario, such as lightheadedness, tremulousness, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and dyspnea, are more indicative of a panic attack rather than generalized anxiety. The nursing diagnosis of fear may not fully capture the acute and intense nature of panic symptoms.
B. Panic disorder and a nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety: This is the correct answer. Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, which align with the sudden onset of symptoms described in the scenario. The nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety is appropriate as it addresses the acute distress associated with panic attacks.
C. Pain disorder and a nursing diagnosis of altered role performance: There is no indication of pain being the primary issue in this scenario. The symptoms are more indicative of a panic attack rather than a pain disorder. Additionally, altered role performance is not a priority nursing diagnosis when addressing the acute symptoms of a panic attack.
D. Altered sensory perception and a nursing diagnosis of panic disorder: Altered sensory perception is not the primary issue in this scenario, and it does not specifically address the sudden and intense symptoms described. The focus should be on the panic symptoms and the associated distress, leading to the nursing diagnosis of panic anxiety.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Incorrect. Falling asleep in the chair and refusing to eat lunch is not indicative of tardive dyskinesia (TD). TD is characterized by involuntary movements, not by changes in sleep patterns or appetite.
B. Correct. Grimacing and lip smacking are characteristic movements associated with tardive dyskinesia. TD is a side effect of long-term use of typical antipsychotic medications, and it involves involuntary, repetitive movements, often involving the face and mouth.
C. Incorrect. Excessive salivation and drooling are not specific to tardive dyskinesia. These symptoms may occur due to various reasons, and TD is primarily associated with abnormal, involuntary movements.
D. Incorrect. Experiencing muscle rigidity and tremors is more characteristic of other side effects or conditions, such as extrapyramidal symptoms, but it is not specific to tardive dyskinesia. TD typically involves repetitive, involuntary movements rather than tremors.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.