Treatment Of Mental Health Disorders Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Exam with Questions and Correct Answers and Rationale Graded A+

A client who was recently admitted to the psychiatric unit with the diagnosis of an obsessivecompulsive disorder engages in a handwashing ritual. When the nurse interrupts the ritual, the client becomes angry and acts out. What is the most probable cause for this behavior? The client is feeling overwhelmed in this situation. The client resents the nurse's authoritarian manner. The client's personality is clashing with the nurse's. The client's response reflects an aggressive personality. - ANSWER The client is feeling overwhelmed in this situation. Rationale The ritual reduces anxiety; when not permitted to complete the ritual, a client with an obsessivecompulsive disorder will experience increased anxiety, frustration, and anger and may act out. The client is experiencing anxiety not related to a personality clash, the nurse's manner, or an aggressive personality.