A client with obsessivecompulsive disorder describes all ...

[jparksx]

A client with obsessivecompulsive disorder describes all doorknobs as being contaminated with a variety of viruses. He cleans each knob three times with paper towels before use. Such behavior allows the client to do what?
 
  A) Punish himself for past infractions
  B) Receive needed attention from others
  C) Temporarily reduce anxiety
  D) Adequately contain his guilt feelings

Question 2

An adolescent client reveals that she is about to take a math test from her tutor. Nursing assessment reveals mild anxiety. You explain that this level of anxiety does what?
 
  A) Will interfere with her cognitive abilities
  B) Is conducive to concentration and problem solving
  C) May be transferred to her tutor and result in test anxiety
  D) Is pathologic and warrants postponing the test

[zenzy]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Compulsions, such as cleaning the doorknob three times prior to use, are an unconscious mechanism by which the individual can reduce his or her anxiety level. These behaviors often become problematic, as they often eventually interfere with the individual's activities of daily living.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B
Mild anxiety is often helpful to individuals and can assist in maintaining concentration and problem-solving abilities. Moderate to severe anxiety can begin to inhibit an individual's coping because these levels create physiologic responses (such as tachycardia and sweating) and psychological responses (such as loss of concentration and inability to focus) that may prevent the person from functioning adequately, interfere with cognitive abilities, and become pathologic if not treated adequately.