The nurse is working with the family of a patient with ...

[Bob-Dole]

The nurse is working with the family of a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which concept should the nurse incorporate in the teaching plan?
 
  a. The thoughts, images, and impulses are voluntary.
  b. The family should pay immediate attention to symptoms.
  c. The thoughts, images, and impulses tend to worsen with stress.
  d. OCD is a chronic disorder that does not respond to treatment.

Question 2

The nurse working with patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is aware of the need to intervene early in order to de-escalate a patient's increasing anxiety level.
 
  Which patient behavior is likely an early indication of escalating anxiety?
  a. Talking rapidly
  b. Pacing around the unit
  c. Staring out the window
  d. Refusing to go to therapy

[ErinKing]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Stress is known to increase the intensity of OCD symptoms. Families should be taught this relationship and the need to reduce stress in the patient's life as much as possible. The symp-toms are not under the patient's voluntary control. It is nontherapeutic to immediately focus on the symptoms, since to do so contributes to secondary gain. OCD responds well to medi-cation and therapy.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Recognize the patient's use of relief behaviors (e.g., pacing, wringing of hands) as indicators of anxiety. Talking rapidly is an indicator of manic behavior. Staring is more likely seen in depression. Refusing to attend therapy is seen in aggressive, defiant patients.