HESI Mental Health 2023 Related

Review HESI Mental Health 2023 related questions and content

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) repeatedly washes her hands throughout the day. What is the most therapeutic nursing intervention?

  • A. Allow the client to continue the behavior to reduce anxiety.
  • B. Encourage the client to talk about the underlying fears.
  • C. Restrict the client's access to soap and water.
  • D. Schedule a time for the client to perform the ritual.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to talk about the underlying fears is the most therapeutic nursing intervention for a client with OCD who repeatedly washes her hands. By discussing the fears, the client can gain insight into the behavior and work towards reducing the compulsion. Choice A is incorrect as allowing the client to continue the behavior can perpetuate the OCD symptoms. Choice C is incorrect as restricting access to soap and water can lead to increased anxiety and distress. Choice D is incorrect as scheduling a time for the client to perform the ritual does not address the underlying fears driving the behavior.