A nurse is admitting a client who has multiple injuries following a motor vehicle crash. Shortly after admission, the client's partner arrives. He is distraught and blames himself for the accident. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. Plan the client's schedule to allow time for rituals.

Explanation:

For individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), engaging in rituals or repetitive behaviors can be a way to manage anxiety. Allowing time for these rituals within the client's schedule, while gently working towards reducing their impact, is a part of a gradual therapeutic approach known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP aims to help the client gradually face their anxiety triggers while refraining from engaging in compulsions.

Why the other choices are incorrect:

B. Confront the client about the senseless nature of the repetitive behaviors.

Confrontation can increase the client's anxiety and resistance to treatment. Instead, the nurse should approach the client with understanding and gradually work on strategies to reduce the compulsive behaviors.

C. Isolate the client for a period of time.

Isolating the client is not a therapeutic approach for managing OCD. It can lead to increased distress and negatively impact their mental health. Inclusion and support are more effective strategies.

D. Set strict limits on the behaviors so that the client can conform to the unit rules and schedules.

Setting strict limits may escalate the client's anxiety and could be counterproductive. It's important to work collaboratively with the client and apply evidence-based approaches like ERP to manage their symptoms effectively.

The highest priority assessment in this situation is to determine if the client has psychotic thinking. Psychotic thinking can indicate a severe mental health condition that requires immediate attention and intervention. If the client is experiencing psychotic symptoms, they might be at risk of harming themselves or others. Identifying and addressing psychotic thinking is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the client and those around them.

B. Asking the client to identify the cause of the crisis.

While understanding the cause of the crisis is important for providing appropriate care, it is not the highest priority. Psychotic thinking or risk of harm takes precedence over understanding the cause.

C. Identifying the client's coping skills.

Coping skills are important for managing the crisis and promoting the client's well-being, but assessing for psychotic thinking and immediate safety concerns comes before evaluating coping skills.

D. Identifying the client's support systems.

Support systems are valuable for the client's overall recovery, but they are not as time-sensitive as assessing for psychotic thinking or imminent safety risks. Identifying support systems can come after addressing the immediate concerns.