A nurse is assessing a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Which statement by the client indicates an obsession?
"I always arrange my books on the shelf from tallest to shortest.”
"I feel an overwhelming urge to wash my hands every 30 minutes.”
"I have a ritual of counting to 10 before entering any room.”
"I keep having thoughts that my family will get hurt if I don't touch the doorknob three times.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
The statement "I always arrange my books on the shelf from tallest to shortest" doesn't indicate an obsession. This behavior might suggest a preference for orderliness or arranging things systematically, but it lacks the distressing, unwanted nature of obsessions.
Choice B rationale:
"I feel an overwhelming urge to wash my hands every 30 minutes" indicates a compulsion rather than an obsession. The urge to wash hands frequently is driven by the need to alleviate anxiety or distress, which is the hallmark of compulsive behaviors.
Choice C rationale:
"I have a ritual of counting to 10 before entering any room" is also a compulsion. The ritual of counting serves as a way to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome associated with entering a room, suggesting a compulsive behavior.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I keep having thoughts that my family will get hurt if I don't touch the doorknob three times" reflects an obsession. The distressing thought of family harm is the unwanted obsession, and the ritual of touching the doorknob three times is the compulsion aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by the obsession.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Administering pain medication is not a relevant intervention for a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions, and administering pain medication would not address the core symptoms or needs of these patients.
Choice B rationale:
Providing emotional support is a valid intervention for a patient with OCD. Individuals with OCD often experience high levels of anxiety and distress due to their obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Offering emotional support can help the patient feel understood and less isolated, contributing to their overall well-being.
Choice C rationale:
Teaching relaxation techniques is also appropriate for patients with OCD. Relaxation techniques can help individuals manage their anxiety and stress, which are common features of OCD. These techniques, when incorporated into the patient's coping strategies, can contribute to reducing the severity of their symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
Assisting with physical therapy exercises is not directly relevant to the care of a patient with OCD. OCD primarily involves psychological and behavioral symptoms, and physical therapy exercises would not directly address the core concerns of these patients.
Choice E rationale:
Educating about nutrition is not a priority intervention for OCD patients. While maintaining overall health is important, nutritional education is not a central component of managing obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The statement "I have to check the locks on the door 10 times before I can leave my house" is indicative of checking compulsions often seen in OCD. This involves repetitive behaviors performed to reduce distress, such as checking locks multiple times. However, this choice is less likely because it focuses on checking rather than washing.
Choice B rationale:
The correct answer. This statement reflects a common manifestation of OCD, specifically contamination-related obsessions and cleaning compulsions. The client's fear of getting sick from not washing their hands is a classic example of obsessive thoughts leading to repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "I think I'm going crazy because I keep thinking about these things" indicates the presence of intrusive and distressing thoughts, which are characteristic of OCD. However, this choice does not encompass the compulsive behaviors that are essential for an OCD diagnosis. It primarily highlights the emotional distress associated with the thoughts.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I'm not sure if I'm really sick or if I'm just imagining it" suggests uncertainty and doubt, which are common features of OCD. However, this choice does not emphasize the typical compulsions that accompany OCD. It focuses more on self-doubt rather than specific ritualistic behaviors.
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