Question

a female client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (ocd) is describing her obsessions and compulsions and asks the nurse why these make her feel safer. what information should the nurse include in this clients teaching plan? (select all that apply.)

select all that apply

• compulsions relieve anxiety.
• anxiety is the key reason for ocd.
• obsessions cause compulsions.
• obsessive thoughts are linked to levels of neurochemicals.
• antidepressant medications increase serotonin levels.

Explanation:

Analyze the relationship between obsessions, compulsions, and anxiety

Obsessions are persistent, intrusive thoughts that generate high levels of anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in response to an obsession to temporarily reduce or prevent that anxiety. Therefore, compulsions relieve anxiety, and obsessions cause compulsions.

Evaluate biological and neurochemical factors

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is strongly linked to dysregulation of neurochemicals, particularly serotonin. Antidepressant medications used to treat OCD, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Thus, obsessive thoughts are linked to neurochemical levels, and antidepressant medications increase serotonin levels.

Evaluate the primary etiology of OCD

While anxiety is a major component of the clinical presentation and cycle of OCD, it is not the "key reason" (underlying cause) for the disorder. The etiology of OCD is multifactorial, involving complex genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors rather than anxiety alone.

Answer:

• Compulsions relieve anxiety. (Correct answer)
• Anxiety is the key reason for OCD.
• Obsessions cause compulsions. (Correct answer)
• Obsessive thoughts are linked to levels of neurochemicals. (Correct answer)
• Antidepressant medications increase serotonin levels. (Correct answer)