A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?
Focus attention on meaningful tasks.
Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level.
Manipulate and control others' behaviors.
Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.
The Correct Answer is B
While the behavior may occupy the client's time and attention, the primary motivation behind OCD-related compulsions is not to engage in meaningful tasks but rather to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.
B. Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level.
Explanation: Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as cleaning, organizing, or checking, as a way to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts. In this scenario, the client's constant picking up after others is likely a compulsive behavior that serves the purpose of decreasing their anxiety to a tolerable level. The act of tidying up may temporarily alleviate the distress caused by obsessive thoughts related to cleanliness, order, or potential harm.
C. Manipulate and control others' behaviors.
The behavior described does not inherently indicate a desire to manipulate or control others. The behavior is driven by the client's internal anxiety rather than an intention to control external factors.
D. Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.
The behavior is more closely related to managing anxiety than limiting social interactions. OCD-related behaviors are driven by the need to reduce distress, not necessarily to avoid interacting with others.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I may have a dry mouth while taking this medication.":
Explanation: Correct Answer. Dry mouth is a common side effect of chlorpromazine, which is a typical antipsychotic medication. This statement indicates that the client understands the potential side effects of the medication.
B. "This medication will help me stop smoking.":
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Chlorpromazine is not used as a medication to aid in smoking cessation. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

C. "I should expect flu-like symptoms while taking this medication.":
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. Flu-like symptoms are not a common side effect of chlorpromazine. Side effects more commonly associated with chlorpromazine include drowsiness, dizziness, and movement-related issues.
D. "This medication may cause me to urinate frequently.":
Explanation: This statement is incorrect. While chlorpromazine can cause various side effects, increased frequency of urination is not one of the typical side effects associated with this medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Why are you feeling so down?"
This response could come across as confrontational or invasive, potentially making the client feel uncomfortable. The client has already expressed their desire not to talk at the moment, so pushing for an explanation may not be well-received.
B. "I’ll just sit here with you for a few minutes then."
Explanation:
This response shows empathy and support without pushing the client to talk or sharing personal experiences. It respects the client's desire for space and acknowledges their emotions without being intrusive. It provides a calming and non-intrusive presence, giving the client the option to open up if and when they are ready.
C. "I understand. I've felt like that before, too."
While sharing personal experiences can sometimes be helpful, in this context, it might inadvertently shift the focus from the client's emotions to the nurse's experiences. It's important to keep the focus on the client and their feelings.
D. "It might help you feel better if you talk about it."
Suggesting that talking might help is well-intentioned, but it might pressure the client into discussing their feelings when they have clearly stated their preference not to at that moment. The client's autonomy and comfort should be respected.
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