ATI Mental Health Practice B Related

Review ATI Mental Health Practice B related questions and content

What intervention should the nurse implement for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) performing ritualistic handwashing?

  • A. Allow the client to continue the ritualistic behavior initially
  • B. Immediately stop the client from performing the ritual
  • C. Encourage the client to perform the ritual more quickly
  • D. Provide a distraction to interrupt the ritual
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: For a client with OCD performing ritualistic handwashing, the nurse should initially allow the client to continue the behavior. Abruptly stopping the behavior or providing a distraction can heighten the client's anxiety. Encouraging the client to perform the ritual more quickly does not address the underlying issue of OCD and may exacerbate their anxiety. Providing a distraction to interrupt the ritual may not be effective in the long term and could lead to increased distress. Gradual limits should be established over time to help the client manage and reduce the ritualistic behavior effectively.