Question

which action would the nurse take for a client with an obsessive-compulsive disorder who continually walks up and down the hall, touching every other chair and becomes upset if interrupted?

a distract the client, which will help the client forget about touching the chairs.
b encourage the client to continue touching the chairs as long as the client wants until fatigue sets in.
c remove chairs from the hall, thereby relieving the client of the necessity of touching every other one.
d allow the behavior to continue for a specified time, letting the client help set the time limits to be imposed.

Explanation:

Analyze client behavior and anxiety

Using the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Ritualistic Behavior knowledge points

• The client's repetitive action of walking and touching chairs is a compulsion.
• Compulsions serve to manage severe, underlying anxiety.
• Interrupting or preventing this ritual abruptly increases anxiety to panic levels.

Evaluate nursing interventions

Using the Anxiety Management, Psychiatric Nursing Care, and OCD Care Planning knowledge points

• Distraction (A) or removing chairs (C) directly interrupts the ritual, causing severe distress.
• Encouraging the behavior until fatigue (B) is punitive and clinically inappropriate.
• Allowing the ritual within structured, mutually agreed-upon time limits (D) reduces anxiety while gradually promoting control.

Answer:

• (A) Distract the client, which will help the client forget about touching the chairs.
• (B) Encourage the client to continue touching the chairs as long as the client wants until fatigue sets in.
• (C) Remove chairs from the hall, thereby relieving the client of the necessity of touching every other one.
• (D) Allow the behavior to continue for a specified time, letting the client help set the time limits to be imposed. (Correct answer)