A nurse is assisting a patient with OCD in developing a hierarchy of feared stimuli for exposure therapy. Which statement by the nurse is appropriate during this process?
"We will completely avoid the situations that cause anxiety.”
"You'll need to perform your compulsions while facing these situations.”
"There's no need to confront your fears; they will go away on their own.”
"You should only focus on situations that are easy to tolerate.”
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Avoiding situations that cause anxiety is counterproductive in exposure therapy, which is a common treatment for OCD. Exposure therapy involves gradual and controlled exposure to feared stimuli to reduce anxiety. Avoidance reinforces the anxiety response and prevents habituation. Facing the situations that trigger anxiety is crucial for desensitization.
Choice B rationale:
This choice is correct because exposure therapy for OCD involves facing feared situations while refraining from engaging in compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. By gradually exposing the individual to these situations and preventing them from performing compulsions, the anxiety response diminishes over time.
Choice C rationale:
Telling the patient that their fears will go away on their own is inaccurate and dismissive of the distress that OCD can cause. OCD is a chronic condition that typically requires evidence-based interventions for symptom reduction. Ignoring the fears and hoping they will disappear without intervention is not a valid therapeutic approach.
Choice D rationale:
Focusing only on situations that are easy to tolerate would not be effective in exposure therapy. The essence of exposure therapy is to confront situations that provoke anxiety gradually, starting with less anxiety-provoking situations and progressing to more challenging ones. This process helps the individual build resilience against anxiety triggers.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to challenge negative thoughts is an effective cognitive-behavioral approach. It helps the client reframe their thinking patterns and build healthier self-esteem.
Choice B rationale:
Providing a list of alternative compulsions supports the client in finding healthier ways to cope with their anxiety. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and improved self-esteem.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting complete avoidance of anxiety triggers might seem helpful, but in the context of OCD, avoidance can reinforce the obsessions and compulsions. Gradual exposure and response prevention are evidence-based strategies.
Choice D rationale:
Assigning more exposure therapy sessions should be based on the client's progress and therapist's assessment. Increasing sessions solely for the sake of it might not be effective and could lead to frustration.
Choice E rationale:
Acknowledging the client's efforts in therapy fosters a positive therapeutic relationship and boosts their self-esteem. Recognizing progress and hard work encourages continued engagement in treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This statement indicates a need for further education. For medications used to treat OCD, consistent and regular dosing is important for their effectiveness. Taking medication only when feeling anxious could lead to inconsistent blood levels of the medication, potentially diminishing its therapeutic effects.
Choice B rationale:
The statement "I should report any side effects to my doctor" is accurate and does not indicate a need for further education. Reporting side effects to the doctor is a responsible and informed approach to medication management.
Choice C rationale:
The statement "It's important to continue taking my medication even if I start feeling better" is correct. Often, individuals with OCD may experience improvement in symptoms but need to continue the medication regimen to maintain the positive effects and prevent relapse.
Choice D rationale:
The statement "I'll stop taking my medication if I experience any discomfort" indicates a need for further education. Discomfort is a broad term that could encompass various mild side effects or adjustments that might be necessary when starting a new medication. It's important not to discontinue medication abruptly without consulting a healthcare provider.
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