A nurse is discussing the difference between mental illness and mental health with a newly licensed nurse. Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding?

Individuals with OCD often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive cleaning, as a way to alleviate or decrease anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. In the context of OCD, obsessions are intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to the obsessions.

A. Decrease the time available for interaction with people:

While individuals with OCD may isolate themselves due to their symptoms, the primary motivation for repetitive behaviors like cleaning is to manage anxiety, not necessarily to avoid interaction with others.

B. Prevent aggressive and impulsive behaviors:

OCD compulsions are not typically aimed at preventing aggressive or impulsive behaviors. They are driven by the need to reduce distress related to obsessive thoughts.

C. Decrease anxiety:

This is the correct answer. Compulsive behaviors in OCD are often ritualistic actions performed to reduce the anxiety associated with obsessive thoughts. Cleaning, in this case, is a way for the individual to feel a sense of control and alleviate anxiety.

D. Manipulate others

The primary motive behind OCD compulsions is to manage personal anxiety, not to manipulate others. Individuals with OCD often recognize that their compulsions are excessive or irrational, but they feel driven to perform them to alleviate anxiety.

A. A nurse asks a client if they have any cultural beliefs the nurse needs to be aware of: This example demonstrates cultural competence as the nurse is actively seeking information about the client's cultural beliefs, practices, and preferences. It reflects an understanding that cultural factors can influence healthcare and the client-nurse relationship.

B. A nurse tells a client about the nurse's own cultural background: While sharing cultural information can be a part of building rapport, the focus of cultural competence is on understanding and respecting the client's cultural background, not necessarily sharing the nurse's own cultural background.

C. A nurse observes a client's actions and reports they do not see any cultural practices: This approach is limited, as cultural practices may not always be visible or evident in a clinical setting. Cultural competence involves actively seeking information from the client rather than making assumptions based on observations.

D. A nurse checks a client's chart for any notes on culture: While reviewing a client's chart for cultural information is part of cultural competence, it is not a complete approach. Direct communication with the client about their cultural beliefs and preferences is essential for a comprehensive understanding.