A nurse is providing care to a client with trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder) What intervention would be most appropriate to include in the client's care plan?

Choice A rationale:

Encouraging suppression of the urge to pull hair might worsen the client's anxiety and tension associated with trichotillomania. This approach may not address the underlying issues and could lead to increased distress.

Choice B rationale:

Camouflaging hair loss can be a practical approach, but it does not address the compulsive behavior itself. It focuses on hiding the consequences of the disorder rather than addressing the core issue.

Choice C rationale:

Assisting the client in finding replacement behaviors is the most appropriate intervention. This approach helps redirect the urge to pull hair into healthier alternatives, helping the client manage the compulsive behavior in a constructive manner.

Choice D rationale:

Avoiding mirrors might be counterproductive. For some individuals with trichotillomania, avoiding mirrors might increase anxiety and preoccupation, as they may feel disconnected from their appearance. It's important to address the underlying behavior rather than avoiding triggers.

Choice A rationale:

While fear of heights and open spaces leading to avoidance behaviors can be associated with anxiety disorders, it is not a typical theme for obsessions and compulsions in individuals with OCD. OCD themes usually revolve around repetitive thoughts and behaviors that aim to alleviate distress or prevent feared outcomes.

Choice B rationale:

The repeated checking of the stove being turned off before leaving the house is a common obsession and compulsion in individuals with OCD. This behavior stems from the fear of potential harm or danger (e.g., fire) and the compulsive act of checking is performed to reduce anxiety related to the obsession.

Choice C rationale:

Feeling the need to touch every object in a room an equal number of times is another manifestation of OCD. This behavior is driven by the obsession of achieving symmetry, balance, or a sense of completeness through compulsive rituals like touching.

Choice D rationale:

Persistent worry about a loved one's safety causing ritualistic prayers is also a theme seen in OCD. Individuals may feel compelled to engage in repetitive prayers or rituals to protect their loved ones from harm due to their obsessive fears.

Choice E rationale:

The strong desire to organize items by color, shape, and size is more indicative of perfectionism or certain personality traits rather than a typical theme in OCD. OCD usually involves distressing and unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and the corresponding rituals or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing the distress.