The nurse is caring for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
During a follow-up visit, which client statement would indicate effective management?
The nurse is caring for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
During a follow-up visit, which client statement would indicate effective management?
A. "I noticed that drinking wine earlier in the evening helps with the thoughts."
[2%]
B. "I have been spending more time alone collecting my thoughts."
[14%]
C. "I snap a rubber band on my wrist as a physical distractor to stop the thoughts."
[50%]
D. "If I feel anxious, I let myself complete the ritual so the feeling passes."
[33%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Mental Health
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Behavioral Interventions
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. This demonstrates thought stopping, a cognitive-behavioral technique in which clients are trained to interrupt intrusive obsessive thoughts using a verbal or physical cue — like snapping a rubber band or saying “Stop.” This interrupts the obsessional pattern and helps the client redirect their thinking toward healthier cognitive patterns. Thought stopping is a recognized behavior therapy strategy that promotes self-awareness, active engagement, and non-pharmacological management of symptoms.
Choice A is incorrect. This statement reflects maladaptive coping. Using alcohol to manage intrusive thoughts can quickly become problematic, increasing the risk of dependency and exacerbating anxiety and OCD symptoms in the long term. Alcohol may dull symptoms temporarily, but it impairs emotional regulation, worsens sleep, and interferes with medications such as SSRIs, often prescribed for OCD. It also undermines CBT and exposure-based treatment efforts.
Choice B is incorrect. While introspection isn’t inherently negative, in OCD, increased time alone can reinforce isolation, rumination, and obsessive thinking. This behavior may reflect avoidance of anxiety triggers rather than effective symptom management. Clients with OCD benefit from structured exposure, social support, and engagement in therapeutic tasks, not withdrawal.
Choice D is incorrect. This indicates reinforcement of compulsions, which is counterproductive in OCD therapy. While this may temporarily reduce anxiety, performing rituals is the core feature of the disorder and strengthens the obsessive-compulsive cycle. In exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy (a specialized form of CBT), clients are gradually exposed to triggers without engaging in compulsive behaviors.
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2 Key Topics
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
32.3 Major Psychiatric Disorders
Additional Info
✓ Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic and often debilitating mental health condition characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both.
✓ Obsessions are recurrent, intrusive, and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress.
✓ In response, individuals may engage in compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed in an attempt to reduce the anxiety associated with the obsessions or to prevent a feared event.
✓ Common compulsions include excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or mental rituals.
✓ The behaviors are often recognized by the individual as excessive or irrational, yet they feel driven to perform them to temporarily relieve anxiety. OCD can significantly impair social, occupational, and daily functioning and tends to follow a fluctuating course without treatment.
✓ Effective treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy.
