Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which action by the nurse will increase the client's sense of security?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Correct Answer: B - Allowing the client to perform the rituals.
Rationale: Allowing the client to perform the rituals can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety for the client with OCD. By permitting the rituals, the nurse acknowledges the client's need for these behaviors to manage their anxiety. This approach fosters trust and helps maintain a therapeutic relationship. It is essential to respect the client's coping mechanisms while working on gradually reducing the rituals through therapy.
Summary of other choices:
A: Stopping the client from performing the rituals may increase anxiety and a sense of loss of control for the client.
C: Encouraging the client to talk about the purpose of the rituals may be helpful in therapy but may not directly increase the client's sense of security.
D: Distracting the client from rituals with other activities may not address the underlying anxiety and may lead to increased distress for the client.
Rationale: Allowing the client to perform the rituals can provide a sense of control and reduce anxiety for the client with OCD. By permitting the rituals, the nurse acknowledges the client's need for these behaviors to manage their anxiety. This approach fosters trust and helps maintain a therapeutic relationship. It is essential to respect the client's coping mechanisms while working on gradually reducing the rituals through therapy.
Summary of other choices:
A: Stopping the client from performing the rituals may increase anxiety and a sense of loss of control for the client.
C: Encouraging the client to talk about the purpose of the rituals may be helpful in therapy but may not directly increase the client's sense of security.
D: Distracting the client from rituals with other activities may not address the underlying anxiety and may lead to increased distress for the client.