ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam Related

Review ATI Mental Health Proctored Exam related questions and content

A nurse in a psychiatric unit is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

  • A. Allow the client to perform compulsive rituals
  • B. Discourage discussion about the compulsions
  • C. Encourage the client to use thought-stopping techniques
  • D. Limit the client’s decision-making opportunities
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Encourage the client to use thought-stopping techniques. This is because thought-stopping techniques are a common cognitive-behavioral intervention used to help individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder interrupt and replace their distressing thoughts or compulsive behaviors with healthier alternatives. By encouraging the client to use these techniques, the nurse can help the client develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms effectively.

Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the core issue of obsessive-compulsive disorder and may even exacerbate the client's symptoms. Allowing the client to perform compulsive rituals reinforces maladaptive behaviors, discouraging discussion about the compulsions limits the client's ability to seek support and understanding, and limiting decision-making opportunities may increase the client's anxiety and feelings of lack of control.