OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDERS | SITUATIONAL EXAMPLES

Question 1

A patient keeps checking if the door is locked every five minutes, causing them to be late for work. What type of behavior is this?
A) Obsession
B) Compulsion
C) Phobia
D) Delusion

Answer 1

B. Compulsion refers to repetitive behaviors done to reduce anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.

Question 2

A patient with germophobia constantly thinks their hands are dirty even after washing them multiple times. What is this thought called?
A) Delusion
B) Phobia
C) Obsession
D) Hallucination

Answer 2

C. Obsession involves intrusive, persistent thoughts that cause anxiety.

Question 3

A patient with OCD spends three hours making their bed every morning, causing them to miss meals and appointments. What nursing diagnosis is most appropriate?
A) Social isolation
B) Fear
C) Ineffective coping
D) Powerlessness

Answer 3

D. Powerlessness is the most appropriate nursing diagnosis when a patient cannot control their rituals.

Question 4

A nurse observes a patient repeatedly washing their hands for hours each day. What should the nurse do first?
A) Interrupt the ritual immediately
B) Schedule the ritual at a convenient time
C) Encourage the patient to ignore the compulsion
D) Restrict access to soap and water

Answer 4

B. The nurse should adjust the patient’s schedule to accommodate the ritual without disrupting daily activities.

Question 5

During cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a patient with contamination OCD is asked to touch an unsterile surface without performing handwashing. What technique is this?
A) Flooding
B) Response prevention
C) Exposure
D) Systematic desensitization

Answer 5

C. Exposure therapy involves confronting the source of obsession while preventing compulsive responses.

Question 6

What should the nurse prioritize before starting exposure and response prevention therapy?
A) Administering anti-anxiety medication
B) Teaching relaxation techniques
C) Monitoring vital signs
D) Allowing ritual completion

Answer 6

B. Relaxation techniques are essential to help the patient manage anxiety during therapy.

Question 7

A patient with OCD expresses frustration over their inability to control their compulsive rituals. What is the best nursing intervention?
A) Interrupt the ritual
B) Encourage verbalization of feelings
C) Increase environmental stimuli
D) Suggest ignoring the thoughts

Answer 7

B. Verbalization of feelings is the best way to alleviate anxiety and support the patient.

Question 8

Which medication is commonly prescribed for OCD to help manage obsessive thoughts?
A) Diazepam
B) Clomipramine
C) Clonidine
D) Lithium

Answer 8

B. Clomipramine, an SSRI, is commonly used to treat OCD.

Question 9

A patient with hoarding disorder has collected so many items that their home is no longer functional. What makes this behavior abnormal?
A) The patient enjoys collecting items
B) The patient spends too much money
C) The hoarding affects daily functioning and home sanitation
D) The patient stores items in an organized way

Answer 9

C. Hoarding becomes abnormal when it affects the person’s ability to perform daily activities and maintain home sanitation.

Question 10

A patient experiencing a panic attack due to obsessive thoughts begins to hyperventilate and cry. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A) Leave the patient alone to calm down
B) Offer anti-anxiety medication immediately
C) Stay with the patient and speak in a calm voice
D) Encourage the patient to perform rituals to relieve anxiety

Answer 10

C. Staying with the patient and using a calm, soothing voice helps reduce anxiety and ensures safety.