HESI Mental Health Related

Review HESI Mental Health related questions and content

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) spends several hours a day washing his hands. What is the best nursing intervention?

  • A. Restrict the client's access to soap and water.
  • B. Encourage the client to discuss their compulsions.
  • C. Allow the client to continue the behavior until ready to stop.
  • D. Schedule activities that distract the client from hand-washing.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to discuss their compulsions is the best nursing intervention when caring for a client with OCD who spends excessive time on hand-washing. This approach can help the client identify underlying anxieties and triggers associated with the compulsive behavior. Restricting access to soap and water (Choice A) can lead to increased anxiety and worsen the obsession. Allowing the client to continue the behavior (Choice C) can perpetuate the compulsive cycle. Scheduling distracting activities (Choice D) may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the behavior.