A nurse is teaching a client about the seven warning signs of cancer. Which of the following signs should the nurse include as manifestations of cancer? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A reason : Encouraging avoidance of anxiety-increasing situations may seem beneficial, but it can reinforce OCD behaviors. Avoidance prevents the client from learning how to cope with anxiety and can limit their ability to participate in daily activities⁴.

Choice B reason : Investigating what situations precipitate anxiety is a crucial step in managing OCD. Understanding the specific triggers can help in developing strategies to cope with and eventually reduce the anxiety associated with these situations. This approach is aligned with cognitive-behavioral therapy principles, which are effective in treating OCD⁴⁵.

Choice C reason : Teaching the client that compulsive behavior is excessive is part of psychoeducation. However, simply telling a client that their behavior is excessive without providing coping mechanisms can be unhelpful and may increase their anxiety. It's important to combine this with therapeutic techniques that help the client manage their compulsions⁴.

Choice D reason : Preventing the client from performing compulsive behavior abruptly can cause significant distress and may not be feasible or safe. Instead, treatment usually involves gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations and learning to resist the urge to perform compulsions, a technique known as exposure and response prevention (ERP)⁴.

Choice A reason: Encouraging interaction with others by having the client share a room might be overwhelming for a client experiencing hypomanic episodes. Hypomania can involve irritability and impulsivity, making shared spaces potentially stressful. It's important to balance social interaction with the need for a controlled environment¹.

Choice B reason: Providing a calm atmosphere by placing the client in a private room can be beneficial for someone experiencing hypomanic episodes. A private room can reduce overstimulation and help manage symptoms like restlessness, agitation, and sleep disturbances. It allows the client to have a quiet space to retreat to, which can be crucial in managing mood swings¹².

Choice C reason: While a cheerful environment may seem beneficial, having bright drapes in the client's room could potentially contribute to overstimulation. Clients with hypomania are often sensitive to environmental stimuli, so it's important to keep the setting subdued to avoid exacerbating symptoms¹.

Choice D reason: Promoting access to activities by assigning the client to a room near the dayroom can be a double-edged sword. While it facilitates engagement in structured activities, which can be therapeutic, it also increases the risk of overstimulation due to the proximity to a potentially busy and noisy area. Careful consideration of the client's current state is necessary when making this decision¹.