Obsessive compulsive disorder Flashcards
A nurse discovers that a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is attempting to resist the compulsion. Based on this finding, the nurse should assess the client for:
a. feelings of failure.
b. depression.
c. excessive fear.
d. increased anxiety.
d
An obsessive-compulsive client who attempts to resist the compulsion must be evaluated for increased anxiety. A compulsion is a repetitive, intentional behavior that the client performs in response to a certain obsession; it’s aimed at neutralizing or decreasing anxiety. Resisting the compulsion may increase the client’s anxiety. Although a client with OCD may experience a sense of failure, depression, and excessive fear, these feelings aren’t responses to resisting the compulsion.
An 8-year-old child, diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, is admitted by the nurse to a psychiatric facility. During the admission assessment, which behaviors would be characterized as compulsions? Select all that apply.
a. checking and rechecking that the television is turned off before going to school
b, repeatedly washing the hands
c. brushing teeth three times per day
d. routinely climbing up and down a flight of stairs three times before leaving the house
e. spending the night at only one friend’s house
f. wanting to play the same video game each night
Compulsions involve symbolic rituals that relieve anxiety when they are performed. The disorder is caused by anxiety from obsessive thoughts, and acts are seen as irrational. Examples include repeatedly checking the television set, washing hands, or climbing stairs. An activity such as playing the same video game each night or spending the night at a friend’s friend, maybe a best friend’s house, may be indicative of normal development for a school-age child. Frequent brushing of the teeth is not abnormal.
