A client recently diagnosed with cancer continues to miss follow-up appointments and states, "The doctors must have made a mistake—there’s no way I’m that sick." According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which defense mechanism is the client most likely using?

Rationalization

Regression

Denial

Projection

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Rationalization involves creating logical explanations to justify behavior or feelings. In this case, the client is not justifying but outright rejecting the diagnosis, so this does not apply.

Choice B reason: Regression occurs when an individual reverts to earlier developmental behaviors, such as childish actions, to cope with stress. The client is not reverting to earlier behaviors but refusing to accept reality.

Choice C reason: Denial is the refusal to accept reality or facts, blocking external events from conscious awareness. The client’s insistence that the diagnosis is a mistake demonstrates denial, making this the correct defense mechanism.

Choice D reason: Projection occurs when a person attributes their unacceptable thoughts or feelings to someone else. The client is not attributing their illness to others but rejecting its existence altogether.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Calorie restriction during pregnancy is not a recommended preventive measure and may actually harm fetal development by causing malnutrition.

Choice B reason: Maternal viral infections during pregnancy, such as influenza, have been associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia in offspring. Preventing infections through vaccination, hygiene, and avoiding exposure is a protective measure.

Choice C reason: Iron deficiency should be prevented, not encouraged, since adequate maternal nutrition supports healthy fetal brain development. Limiting iron intake would not reduce schizophrenia risk and could increase complications.

Choice D reason: While teenage pregnancy carries social and medical risks, it is not directly linked to increasing schizophrenia risk in offspring compared to maternal infections during pregnancy.

A. "I need for you to get rid of these bugs that are crawling under my skin." B. "Those Martians are trying to poison me with the tap water." C. "Hear that? She told me to kill my father." D. "That song is a message sent to me in secret code."

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: This describes tactile hallucinations, a false sensory experience, not a delusion of reference.

Choice B reason: This reflects a persecutory delusion, where the client believes they are being harmed or targeted, not a delusion of reference.

Choice C reason: This illustrates an auditory hallucination with command-type voices, not a delusion of reference.

Choice D reason: Believing that unrelated environmental cues (like a song) carry special, hidden meaning specifically for the client is the hallmark of a delusion of reference.

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A client recently diagnosed with cancer continues to miss follow-up appointments and states, "The doctors must have made a mistake—there’s no way I’m that sick." According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which defense mechanism is the client most likely using?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client at a prenatal clinic. The client shares that they have family members diagnosed with schizophrenia and wants to know how they can reduce their baby's risk of developing schizophrenia. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse on the mental health unit receives report about a client diagnosed with schizophrenia who has a delusion of reference. Which client statement supports this symptom?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Carl Rogers emphasized a humanistic approach in mental health nursing. Which of the following core concepts is central to his theory and therapeutic work?

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A client recently diagnosed with cancer continues to miss follow-up appointments and states, "The doctors must have made a mistake—there’s no way I’m that sick." According to Freud’s psychoanalytic theory, which defense mechanism is the client most likely using?

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