A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

A. Providing a structured activity schedule can be beneficial but comes after understanding the triggers of the behaviors. B. Relaxation techniques are helpful but would be more effective after understanding the client's specific rituals and triggers. C. The first step in managing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is understanding the triggers or precipitating factors for the client's ritualistic behaviors. This helps the nurse identify patterns and understand the client's anxiety, which is essential for planning further interventions. D. Discussing alternative coping strategies is important but should follow an assessment of the factors that drive the compulsive behaviors.