A mental health nurse is caring for a client who smokes and has lung cancer.
The client reports, "I'm coughing because I have that cold everyone has been getting." The nurse should identify that the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?

Choice A rationale:

Deflecting the client's concerns to the physician dismisses the client's immediate need for emotional support and therapeutic communication.

It can hinder the development of a trusting nurse-client relationship.

The nurse is responsible for addressing the client's psychosocial needs, not solely deferring them to other healthcare professionals.

Choice B rationale:

Offering false reassurance is inappropriate and potentially harmful. It can erode trust if the client's fears are later realized.

It minimizes the client's legitimate concerns and invalidates their emotional experience.

Choice C rationale:

While lifestyle modifications are essential for managing coronary artery disease, providing unsolicited advice at this moment disregards the client's emotional distress.

It prioritizes physical health over the client's psychological well-being. It can be perceived as dismissive of the client's fears and concerns.

Choice D rationale:

Inviting the client to elaborate on their fears demonstrates active listening and encourages therapeutic communication. It validates the client's concerns and shows empathy for their emotional experience.

It provides an opportunity to assess the client's understanding of their condition and identify specific fears or misconceptions. It establishes a foundation for exploring coping mechanisms and providing appropriate support and education.

Choice A rationale: Giving the client a PRN sleeping medication is not the best option in this situation. While it might help the client sleep, it does not address the underlying issue causing the client’s anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to remember that medication should not be the first line of treatment unless necessary. Instead, non- pharmacological interventions should be explored first.

Choice B rationale: Encouraging the client to go back to bed might seem like a reasonable action. However, it might not be helpful if the client is feeling restless and anxious. Forcing the client to stay in bed might increase their anxiety and restlessness. It’s important to address the client’s feelings and provide comfort and reassurance.

Choice C rationale: Remaining with the client is the best action to take in this situation. The client is showing signs of anxiety and restlessness, and the presence of the nurse can provide comfort and reassurance. The nurse can use this time to talk to the client, understand their concerns, and provide emotional support. This can help to alleviate the client’s anxiety and might make it easier for them to relax and eventually sleep.

Choice D rationale: Exploring alternatives to pacing the floor with the client might be a good option, but it’s not the best initial action. While it’s important to provide the client with alternatives to help manage their anxiety, the first step should be to provide comfort and reassurance. Once the client is feeling calmer, the nurse can then discuss different strategies to help manage their anxiety.