An adult client is admitted to the psychiatric unit because of a daily, complex handwashing ritual that takes two hours or longer to complete.The client worries about staying clean and refuses to sit on any of the chairs in the day area.This client's handwashing is an example of which clinical behavior?

Choice A rationale:Addiction involves a dependence on a substance or behavior that leads to withdrawal symptoms when the substance or behavior is discontinued. The client's handwashing behavior is not related to addiction.Choice B rationale:Phobia refers to an irrational and intense fear of a specific object or situation. While the client's avoidance of sitting on chairs in the day area may be related to anxiety, it does not represent a specific phobia.Choice C rationale:Compulsion is the correct answer because the client's handwashing ritual is an example of compulsive behavior. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rigid rules. In this case, the client is compelled to engage in the ritual to alleviate anxiety or distress.Choice D rationale:Obsession refers to persistent and intrusive thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress and anxiety. While the client's handwashing ritual may be related to obsessive thoughts about cleanliness, the primary clinical behavior being exhibited is the compulsive handwashing itself.