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?

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.

A. Hypotensive shock: This is not the correct answer. MAO inhibitors are not associated with causing hypotensive shock. In fact, they can lead to an increase in blood pressure.

B. Hypertensive crisis: This is the correct answer. MAO inhibitors interact with certain foods and drugs, such as those containing tyramine, leading to an increased risk of a hypertensive crisis. Foods rich in tyramine, such as aged cheeses, certain wines, and some processed meats, can cause a sudden and dangerous increase in blood pressure when combined with MAO inhibitors.

C. Cardiac dysrhythmia: While all medications have potential side effects, MAO inhibitors are not typically associated with causing cardiac dysrhythmias.

D. Cardiogenic shock: MAO inhibitors are not known to cause cardiogenic shock. The primary concern with MAO inhibitors is the potential for a hypertensive crisis due to interactions with specific foods and drugs.