Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
A client with OCD is undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The client asks the nurse,"How does exposure and response prevention work in treating OCD? Which response by the nurse accurately explains this aspect of CBT?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Exposure and response prevention in CBT for OCD involves facing situations that trigger anxiety while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This helps the client gradually learn that their anxiety decreases over time without performing the compulsions. By facing their fears and resisting the urge to engage in rituals, the client can retrain their brain's response to anxiety triggers. This process is essential for breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions in OCD.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Avoiding triggers does not help the client learn to manage anxiety or break the OCD cycle.
B: Engaging in compulsive behaviors reinforces the cycle and does not help in reducing anxiety.
D: Eliminating exposure to triggers does not allow the client to learn how to manage anxiety-provoking situations.
E, F, G: These choices are not applicable as the correct answer has already been determined.
Rationale: Exposure and response prevention in CBT for OCD involves facing situations that trigger anxiety while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors. This helps the client gradually learn that their anxiety decreases over time without performing the compulsions. By facing their fears and resisting the urge to engage in rituals, the client can retrain their brain's response to anxiety triggers. This process is essential for breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions in OCD.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A: Avoiding triggers does not help the client learn to manage anxiety or break the OCD cycle.
B: Engaging in compulsive behaviors reinforces the cycle and does not help in reducing anxiety.
D: Eliminating exposure to triggers does not allow the client to learn how to manage anxiety-provoking situations.
E, F, G: These choices are not applicable as the correct answer has already been determined.