A community health nurse is developing a brochure about hypertension.
Which of the following actions is the bestfor the nurse to take?

The correct answer is: a. Displacement.

Choice A Reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a less threatening recipient. In the context of bipolar disorder, a client may displace anger or frustration about their condition or treatment onto the nurse, who is not the source of these feelings. This redirection can occur because the client might feel powerless or uncomfortable expressing these emotions towards their healthcare provider, who is the authority figure prescribing medication changes.

Choice B Reason: Splitting is often associated with borderline personality disorder rather than bipolar disorder. It involves viewing things in extremes—either all good or all bad—with no middle ground. While individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit black-and-white thinking, especially during mood episodes, the behavior described does not indicate splitting, as it does not involve idealizing or devaluing the nurse or provider.

Choice C Reason: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, often resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse. For example, a person with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport that channels aggression in a socially acceptable way. The scenario provided does not suggest that the client is channeling their frustrations into a constructive activity.

Choice D Reason: Conversion involves the transfer of mental stress into physical symptoms. This defense mechanism is characteristic of conversion disorder, where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms like blindness, paralysis, or other sensory or motor symptoms without a medical cause. The client yelling at the nurse does not reflect a conversion of emotional distress into physical symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

"I should have my baby latch on to my nipple and areola during feeding." Rationale: This is the correct statement and indicates an understanding of breastfeeding. Proper latch involves the baby taking both the nipple and a portion of the areola into their mouth. This ensures effective milk transfer and prevents nipple pain and damage.

Choice B rationale:

"I should not wake my baby during the night to breastfeed." Rationale: While it is generally recommended to let a newborn sleep for longer stretches at night, it's essential to ensure the baby feeds frequently, especially in the early days. Waking the baby for feedings, at least every 2-3 hours, is important to establish a good milk supply and ensure the baby's nutritional needs are met.

Choice C rationale:

"My baby should breastfeed 5 to 10 minutes on each breast." Rationale: This statement is not entirely accurate. The duration of breastfeeding can vary from baby to baby. It's essential to allow the baby to feed as long as they want on the first breast, ensuring they get the hindmilk, which is rich in fat and essential for growth. The baby may switch to the other breast when they are ready.

Choice D rationale:

"I should keep my baby on a strict feeding schedule." Rationale: This statement is not correct. Breastfeeding is demand-driven, and it's important to feed the baby when they show hunger cues, which may not always align with a strict schedule. Feeding on demand helps ensure the baby receives enough nourishment and promotes milk supply.