ATI Mental Health Practice Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice Exam related questions and content

A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends hours washing their hands. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

  • A. Encouraging the patient to stop washing their hands
  • B. Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times
  • C. Ignoring the patient's behavior
  • D. Setting strict limits on the time allowed for hand washing
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times. This option acknowledges the patient's need for hand washing while also setting boundaries. By allowing the patient to wash hands at specified times, the nurse can help establish a routine and gradually reduce the excessive hand washing behavior. Encouraging the patient to stop washing hands (A) may increase anxiety and resistance. Ignoring the behavior (C) can reinforce it. Setting strict limits (D) may cause distress and worsen the OCD symptoms. Option B strikes a balance between addressing the patient's needs and promoting healthier behaviors.