Which intervention should a nurse prioritize for a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder?

For a client diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), establishing a trusting nurse-client relationship is paramount. This relationship serves as a foundation for effective therapeutic interactions. Individuals with OCD often experience significant anxiety and distress related to their obsessions and compulsions. When they feel trust toward their nurse, they are more likely to communicate openly about their struggles and symptoms.

This trust allows nurses to better understand the client’s specific challenges and tailor interventions to meet their needs. Additionally, a supportive and empathetic environment can help reduce feelings of shame or embarrassment that often accompany OCD, enabling clients to engage more fully in their treatment.

While other interventions, such as providing a structured schedule, encouraging participation in group therapy, and limiting the time spent on compulsive behaviors, are beneficial components of a comprehensive treatment plan, they are less effective without first establishing a strong therapeutic alliance. The trust built in the nurse-client relationship can facilitate the client’s willingness to adhere to these other strategies and engage in their recovery process.