When planning for a client with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)who has been admitted for severe exacerbation of symptoms, the nurse should set which of the following interventions as a priority?
A) Giving medications in a timely fashion to maintain steady blood levels.
B) Starting all group sessions on time and incorporating all group members into the discussion.
C) Assessing the patient for suicide risk since they may also have a major depression.
D) Discussing with the patient whether their obsessions involve self-mutilation acts like pulling their hair.
Ans: C
Assessing for suicidal thoughts is always the priority. The client may feel a sense of hopelessness and helplessness and may contemplate suicide to end the suffering. An additional risk for suicide is created by the high probability of major depression, which often accompanies OCD. Clients may feel a need to punish themselves for their intrusive thoughts (e.g., religious coupled with sexual obsessions). Some persons have aggressive obsessions, so that external limits may have to be imposed for the protection of others. All clients should expect medications to be given on time and group sessions to start when the posted time arrives.
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