Question

A client with the diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder who has a need to wash his hands 50 to 60 times a day tearfully tells the nurse, "i know that my hands aren't dirty, but i just can't stop washing them." what is the best response by the nurse?

Answer 1

I understand that—maybe we can work together to limit the number of times you wash them."
R: The nurse shows an understanding of the client's needs by not totally restricting the handwashing and by working with the client to set limits on the behavior. At this time the client is still too anxious to be capable of coping with the reasons for handwashing. Continued handwashing does not reveal an understanding of the underlying problem, nor is it a sign of progress. Telling the client not to worry denies the client's feelings and may close off communication.