Anewly admitted client with an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder frequently performs a handwashing ritual. when attempts are made to set limits on the frequency or length of the ritual, the client's anxiety escalates and the client becomes verbally aggressive. what is most important for the nurse to do when the client performs the ritual?

The nurse should let the client perform the ritual. The ritual keeps the client calm and helps the client keep his or her anxiety in check. If the client is not allowed to perform his or her ritual they will most likely become unpredictable and carry out more aggressive behavior or exhibit new bad behavior due to anxiety. This method keeps the client, the nurse and any other people close by safe from harm.