ATI RN Mental Health Asn Related

Review ATI RN Mental Health Asn related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?

  • A. Limit the amount of time available to interact with others
  • B. Focus attention on meaningful tasks
  • C. Manipulate and control others’ behaviors
  • D. Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level. In OCD, repetitive behaviors like picking up after others serve to reduce anxiety stemming from obsessive thoughts. This behavior acts as a coping mechanism to alleviate distress. Choice A is incorrect as the behavior is driven by anxiety, not a desire to limit interaction time. Choice B is incorrect as the behavior is not necessarily meaningful but rather a compulsive act. Choice C is incorrect as the behavior is self-directed, not aimed at controlling others.