which symptom is most commonly associated with obsessive compulsive disorder ocd
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ATI Mental Health Practice A

1. Which symptom is most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Intrusive, repetitive thoughts. Intrusive, repetitive thoughts are the hallmark symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Individuals with OCD experience persistent, unwanted thoughts or obsessions that lead to repetitive behaviors or compulsions. These thoughts are intrusive and difficult to control, causing significant distress and interfering with daily activities. While mood swings, hallucinations, and flashbacks can be present in other mental health conditions, they are not the primary symptoms associated with OCD.

2. A patient diagnosed with panic disorder asks the nurse about the purpose of deep breathing exercises. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Deep breathing helps reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath.

3. A patient with social anxiety disorder is prescribed a beta-blocker. Which symptom is this medication most likely intended to address?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta-blockers are commonly used to alleviate physical symptoms associated with anxiety disorders, such as tremors and palpitations. These medications help manage the autonomic symptoms of anxiety, like increased heart rate and trembling, which are often prominent in social anxiety disorder. Beta-blockers do not primarily target cognitive symptoms like recurrent, intrusive thoughts (choice C), panic attacks (choice A), or depression (choice D) in social anxiety disorder.

4. Which of the following is an example of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Thought stopping is a specific cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique aimed at helping individuals manage and interrupt negative or intrusive thoughts. This technique involves identifying and stopping negative thought patterns to promote healthier thinking and emotional well-being. Free association and dream analysis are associated with psychoanalytic therapy, while systematic desensitization is a technique commonly used in behavior therapy.

5. A patient with agoraphobia has difficulty leaving their home. Which nursing intervention would be most effective?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to make small, gradual steps outside the home is the most effective nursing intervention for agoraphobia. This approach helps the patient confront their fear gradually and build confidence in managing their symptoms. By taking small steps, the patient can start to expand their comfort zone and reduce anxiety associated with leaving their home, ultimately aiding in their recovery and increasing their independence. Choices B, C, and D are not as effective as choice A. Advising the patient to avoid crowded places does not address the underlying issue of agoraphobia. Suggesting that the patient focus on their breathing when anxious may help manage immediate symptoms but does not address the fear of leaving home. Providing information about support groups is beneficial but may not directly address the patient's difficulty leaving their home.

Similar Questions

A patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is under the care of a nurse. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A nurse hears a newly licensed nurse discussing a client’s hallucinations in the hallway with another nurse. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A client is undergoing systematic desensitization for an extreme fear of elevators. Which of the following actions should be implemented with this form of therapy?
What principle should guide a nurse's fear about 'saying the wrong thing' to a patient in nurse-patient communication?
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