ATI Mental Health Practice A Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice A related questions and content

During an intake assessment, a healthcare professional is evaluating a patient diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which question would be most appropriate?

  • A. Do you often experience periods of sadness?
  • B. Do you have difficulty controlling your worrying?
  • C. Do you find yourself repeating behaviors or thoughts?
  • D. Do you experience sudden, unexpected panic attacks?
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The most appropriate question when assessing a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is to inquire about repeating behaviors or thoughts. This is a hallmark feature of OCD, where individuals often engage in repetitive actions or mental rituals to alleviate anxiety or distress. This behavior distinguishes OCD from other mental health conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (choice B), major depressive disorder (choice A), and panic disorder (choice D). Therefore, recognizing repetitive behaviors or thoughts helps in identifying the presence of OCD and tailoring appropriate interventions for the patient.