A 25-year-old client is hospitalized for severe anxiety. During the assessment, the nurse notices the client clutches a childhood stuffed animal and speaks in a childlike voice when discussing stressful life events. Which defense mechanism is the client most likely using?
Displacement.
Regression.
Sublimation.
Repression.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Displacement involves transferring feelings from one object or person to another safer target, which is not occurring here.
Choice B reason: Returning to earlier developmental behaviors, such as holding a childhood toy and speaking like a child during stress, is a clear example of regression.
Choice C reason: Sublimation is channeling unacceptable impulses into constructive activities, which is not shown in this scenario.
Choice D reason: Repression involves unconsciously blocking distressing thoughts or feelings, but in this case the client is acting out stress through childlike behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Propranolol is a beta-blocker primarily used for performance-related anxiety and physical symptoms like tremors or palpitations. It is not considered first-line or standard treatment for panic disorder.
Choice B reason: Clonidine is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist used more often for hypertension, withdrawal syndromes, and sometimes ADHD. It is not a recommended pharmacologic option for panic disorder.
Choice C reason: Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine, is effective for acute management of panic attacks by rapidly reducing anxiety. However, it is generally used short-term due to risks of tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.
Choice D reason: Buspirone is an anxiolytic used mainly for generalized anxiety disorder. It lacks efficacy in panic disorder and is not typically prescribed for it.
Choice E reason: Clonazepam, another benzodiazepine, is often used to manage panic disorder due to its longer half-life compared to alprazolam, making it effective in reducing frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response acknowledges the client’s experience without reinforcing the hallucination. It demonstrates empathy, maintains reality orientation, and builds trust, which are crucial therapeutic approaches.
Choice B reason: Challenging hallucinations with logic is not effective and can increase client defensiveness or distress. It may also escalate paranoia rather than reduce it.
Choice C reason: Avoiding the client ignores their distress and can increase isolation. Engagement is necessary to provide reassurance and therapeutic support.
Choice D reason: Directly denying the hallucination can invalidate the client’s experience, leading to mistrust and further paranoia. A more supportive acknowledgment is preferred.
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