A patient performs ritualistic hand washing. What should the nurse do to help the patient develop more effective coping strategies?
A) Allow the patient to set a hand-washing schedule.
B) Encourage the patient to participate in social activities.
C) Encourage the patient to discuss hand-washing routines.
D) Focus on the patient's symptoms rather than on the patient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder become overly involved in rituals, promoting involvement with other people and activities is necessary to improve the patient's coping strategies. Daily activities prevent the constant focus on anxiety and its symptoms. The other interventions focus on the compulsive symptom.

A Patient Performs Ritualistic Hand Washing