A home-health nurse is assessing a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and finds that the client demonstrates constant repetitive cleaning. The nurse knows that this behavior is an attempt to accomplish which of the following?

Choice A reason: Repetitive cleaning in OCD is not primarily to avoid social interaction but to alleviate anxiety from obsessive thoughts. While isolation may occur, it’s secondary, making this incorrect for the behavior’s purpose. Choice B reason: OCD cleaning is not manipulative; it’s driven by internal distress, not intent to control others. The behavior aims to reduce anxiety, not influence people, making this incorrect for the client’s motivation. Choice C reason: Cleaning in OCD doesn’t prevent aggression or impulsivity but addresses anxiety from intrusive thoughts. These behaviors are ritualistic, not related to impulse control, making this incorrect for the purpose. Choice D reason: Repetitive cleaning in OCD is a compulsion to reduce anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts. The behavior temporarily alleviates distress, aligning with OCD’s core mechanism, making this the correct choice.