A nurse is caring for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others and cleaning in the day room. The nurse should recognize the client's actions as which of the following?

Choice A reason: Manipulating and controlling others’ behavior is not the purpose of compulsive cleaning in OCD. The client’s actions are driven by internal anxiety rather than a desire to control others. Choice B reason: Compulsive behaviors such as cleaning are performed to reduce anxiety to a tolerable level. In OCD, rituals temporarily relieve distress caused by intrusive thoughts. This makes option B the most accurate description of the client’s behavior. Choice C reason: While cleaning may appear useful, in OCD it is not a productive task but a ritualistic compulsion. The behavior is not focused on utility but on alleviating anxiety. Choice D reason: Although compulsive cleaning may limit social interaction, this is a secondary effect. The primary purpose is anxiety reduction, not avoidance of others.