(Select All That Apply):. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected OCD. Which statements accurately describe characteristics of OCDs that help differentiate them from other mental disorders? Select all that apply.
Obsessions and compulsions are aimed at reducing anxiety or distress.
Obsessions and compulsions are consistent with the individual's self-image.
The individual recognizes that obsessions and compulsions are irrational.
Obsessions and compulsions may lead to positive emotional outcomes.
Obsessions and compulsions cause impairment in daily functioning.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
Choice A rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions are aimed at reducing anxiety or distress. This statement accurately describes a characteristic of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress, while compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing the distress caused by the obsessions. These behaviors are performed in response to the distress and are intended to alleviate it. For example, if someone has an obsession about contamination, their compulsion might involve excessive hand washing to alleviate the anxiety associated with the obsession.
Choice B rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions are consistent with the individual's self-image. This statement is not accurate in differentiating OCD from other mental disorders. Obsessions and compulsions in OCD often involve themes that are inconsistent with the individual's self-image and are not representative of their true desires or intentions. For instance, someone with OCD might have obsessions about harming others, even if they have no actual desire to do so. These obsessions are not aligned with their self-image.
Choice C rationale:
The individual recognizes that obsessions and compulsions are irrational. This statement accurately describes another characteristic of OCD. People with OCD typically recognize that their obsessions and compulsions are irrational and unreasonable, but they feel compelled to engage in these behaviors to alleviate anxiety. This recognition of the irrational nature of their thoughts and actions is a distinguishing feature of OCD, differentiating it from other disorders where the person might not have such insight into the irrationality of their behaviors.
Choice D rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions may lead to positive emotional outcomes. This statement is not accurate in the context of OCD. Obsessions and compulsions are not aimed at achieving positive emotional outcomes. Instead, they are performed to reduce distress or anxiety. The relief gained from engaging in compulsions is temporary and often followed by a cycle of escalating compulsions to achieve the same level of relief, which contributes to the perpetuation of the disorder.
Choice E rationale:
Obsessions and compulsions cause impairment in daily functioning. This statement accurately describes another characteristic of OCD. The obsessions and compulsions associated with OCD can be time-consuming and interfere significantly with a person's daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life. These behaviors can lead to impaired occupational and social functioning, making this statement a distinguishing feature of OCD.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
This choice does not indicate symptoms of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) Feeling sad about being overweight is not specific to BDD and could be related to body dissatisfaction or other emotional concerns.
Choice B rationale:
This choice indicates a symptom of BDD. Constantly comparing one's appearance to that of celebrities suggests a preoccupation with perceived flaws, which is a hallmark of BDD. Individuals with BDD often engage in such comparisons as a way to validate their negative self-image.
Choice C rationale:
While spending excessive time in front of the mirror can be a symptom of BDD, the statement alone does not definitively indicate the disorder. It's important to consider the reason behind the mirror checking behavior and the individual's emotional distress related to it.
Choice D rationale:
This choice indicates a symptom of BDD. Avoiding social situations due to the fear of being negatively evaluated or judged based on one's perceived flaws is a classic sign of BDD. Individuals with BDD often believe that others are fixated on their perceived defects.
Choice E rationale:
This choice does not indicate symptoms of BDD. Having a collection of items without attaching sentimental value is not specific to BDD. It's important to focus on behaviors and thoughts related to perceived physical flaws when assessing for BDD.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The limbic circuit consisting of the hippocampus, amygdala, and hypothalamus is not the main brain circuit involved in obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs) The limbic circuit is more closely associated with emotions and memory, rather than the cognitive processes that drive OCD symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
The central executive circuit comprising the prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions like decision-making and working memory. However, this circuit is not primarily implicated in the pathophysiology of OCD.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. The cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit plays a central role in the development of OCD. This circuit involves several key components: Orbitofrontal cortex: Responsible for assessing potential risks and rewards, and for decision-making. Anterior cingulate cortex: Involved in error detection, emotional processing, and regulating cognitive flexibility. Striatum: Responsible for habit formation and reward-based learning. Thalamus: Acts as a relay station for information between various brain regions. This circuit's malfunction can lead to repetitive behaviors and intrusive thoughts characteristic of OCD.
Choice D rationale:
The ventral tegmental circuit involving the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area is primarily associated with the brain's reward system and the regulation of mood and motivation. It is not a key player in OCD's pathophysiology.
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