Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse Observes a client who has OCD repeatedly applying, removing, and then reapplying makeup. The nurse identifies that repetitive behavior in a client who has OCD is due to which of the following underlying reasons?
Select one:
A. Adverse effect of antidepressant medication
B. Attempt to reduce anxiety
Repetitive behaviors in individuals with OCD are often compulsions that are performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety or distress. These compulsions can take many forms, including repetitive actions such as applying and removing makeup. By engaging in these behaviors, the individual may feel a temporary reduction in anxiety or distress.
C. Narcissistic behavior
D. Fear of rejection from staff
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Mental Health - Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Repetitive behaviors in individuals with OCD are often compulsions that are performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety or distress. These compulsions can take many forms, including repetitive actions such as applying and removing makeup. By engaging in these behaviors, the individual may feel a temporary reduction in anxiety or distress.
Similar Questions
A registered nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?
A. Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level.
Individuals with OCD often engage in compulsive behaviors as a way to reduce anxiety or distress. In this case, the client’s behavior of constantly picking up after others in the day room may be a compulsion that helps them decrease their anxiety to a tolerable level.
B. Focus attention on meaningful tasks,
C. Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.
D. Manipulate and control others' behaviors.
Full Explanation
Individuals with OCD often engage in compulsive behaviors as a way to reduce anxiety or distress. In this case, the client’s behavior of constantly picking up after others in the day room may be a compulsion that helps them decrease their anxiety to a tolerable level.
A psychiatric nurse assesses a client who commonly experiences anxiety. Which comment by this person indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Select one:
A. l keep reliving a car accident."
B. My legs often feel weak and spastic."
C. I am embarrassed to go out and speak in public."
D. l check where my car keys are eight times."
This comment indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because it describes a repetitive behavior that may be a compulsion. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. In this case, the individual’s compulsion may be to repeatedly check the location of their car keys in order to reduce anxiety or distress.
Full Explanation
This comment indicates the possibility of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) because it describes a repetitive behavior that may be a compulsion. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly. In this case, the individual’s compulsion may be to repeatedly check the location of their car keys in order to reduce anxiety or distress.

The nurse provides care for clients in the pediatric clinic. The nurse understands that according to Erikson Stages of Psychosocial development, trust and significant early attachments develop during which time period?
A. Birth to 18 months
According to Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development, the first stage is Trust vs. Mistrust, which occurs during the first 18 months of life. During this stage, infants learn to trust their caregivers and develop a sense of security and comfort in their environment. This is accomplished through consistent and responsive caregiving, including meeting the infant's physical and emotional needs. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to understand the importance of building trust and significant early attachments during the first 18 months of life to promote healthy psychosocial development in pediatric clients.
B. 3 to 5 years
C. 6 to 12 years
D. 2 to 3 years
Full Explanation
According to Erikson's Stages of Psychosocial Development, the first stage is Trust vs. Mistrust, which occurs during the first 18 months of life. During this stage, infants learn to trust their caregivers and develop a sense of security and comfort in their environment. This is accomplished through consistent and responsive caregiving, including meeting the infant's physical and emotional needs.
Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to understand the importance of building trust and significant early attachments during the first 18 months of life to promote healthy psychosocial development in pediatric clients.