Author Question: A patient newly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) needs assistance with setting ... (Read 106 times)

bobypop · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient newly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) needs assistance with setting goals. Which might be an appropriate goal for the patient to identify?

1. Increasing social contacts.
2. Stopping compulsive hand washing.
3. Identifying certain thoughts as OCD symptoms.
4. Stopping counting, tapping, or repeating certain words.

Question 2

A patient with bipolar disorder drinks a six-pack of beer each day. He tells the nurse that it is the only way he can relax. What is an appropriate nursing intervention for this patient?

1. Plan for follow-up support.
2. Encourage re-evaluation of current behavior.
3. Encourage and provide feedback on small steps toward change.
4. Help the patient identify feelings of loss and contrast with long-term benefits.

phuda · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 3
Explanation: Supportive change may be considered as patients with chronic or serious illness make small improvements by helping promote realistic and achievable gains, such as learning to identify and label their symptoms. Significant behavioral changes such as increasing social contacts or stopping compulsive behaviors may be unrealistic at this early stage of treatment and may only increase frustration and pain.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: Helping the patient to reevaluate current behavior and its risks is appropriate at his current pre-contemplative stage, when the patient is not yet considering change. Planning for follow up belongs in the maintenance stage of change. Feedback on small steps is part of the preparation stage when the patient is ready to begin making changes. Identifying feelings of loss and acknowledging benefits is part of the action stage.