A nurse is caring for a client with OCD who is refusing to leave their room because they are afraid of contamination. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

Choice A rationale:

Blood pressure regulation is not directly related to the outcomes for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) OCD primarily involves persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors, and blood pressure regulation is not a priority outcome for this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Pain management is also not relevant to the outcomes of patients with OCD. OCD doesn't cause physical pain, so pain management interventions would not be included in the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) for OCD patients.

Choice C rationale:

Coping and self-esteem improvement is the correct choice. Individuals with OCD often struggle with managing their distressing thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Improving coping mechanisms and enhancing self-esteem are important goals in the care of these patients. The NOC would include outcomes related to helping patients develop healthier ways of managing their thoughts and behaviors, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

Choice D rationale:

Respiratory function optimization is unrelated to the outcomes of patients with OCD. This outcome is more relevant to conditions affecting the respiratory system, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and not to OCD.

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging the client to "talk about their fears" might be a beneficial intervention in some cases, but for individuals with OCD who are struggling with compulsive behaviors driven by their fears, directly addressing exposure to those fears is a more effective approach.

Choice B rationale:

While setting limits on the client's behavior is important, it may not be the priority in this situation. Instead, assisting the client in gradually confronting their fears through exposure therapy can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Choice C rationale:

The correct response emphasizes gradual exposure therapy, a well-established approach in treating OCD. This intervention helps the client confront their fears in a controlled and systematic manner, leading to desensitization and reduction in their anxiety over time.

Choice D rationale:

Providing relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing anxiety, but for someone with OCD who is avoiding situations due to contamination fears, the primary intervention should focus on exposure therapy to address the specific OCD-related fears.