A nurse at a college campus mental health counseling center is caring for a student who just failed an examination. The student spends the session berating the teacher and the course. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?
Regression
Conversion
Projection
Undoing
The Correct Answer is C
A. Regression: Incorrect
Regression is a defense mechanism in which a person reverts to an earlier stage of development in response to stress or anxiety. For example, an adult might start behaving like a child when faced with a difficult situation. In this case, the student berating the teacher doesn't demonstrate a return to an earlier developmental stage, so regression is not the correct choice.
B. Conversion: Incorrect
Conversion refers to the conversion of emotional distress into physical symptoms, such as experiencing physical pain without any apparent physical cause. This mechanism is often seen in conditions like conversion disorder. The student berating the teacher is not exhibiting physical symptoms as a response to emotional distress, so conversion is not the correct choice.
C. Projection: Correct
Projection is the act of attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to another person. In this scenario, the student is projecting their own failure onto the teacher and the course by blaming them for the failure. They are unable to accept their own role in the failure and are instead placing the blame on external factors. This aligns with the behavior described in the scenario.
D. Undoing: Incorrect
Undoing involves trying to compensate for or negate an unacceptable action or thought with a contrary action. For instance, someone who had angry thoughts might engage in excessive acts of kindness to "undo" those thoughts. The student berating the teacher is not engaging in actions to negate their negative feelings or thoughts; they are expressing their frustration directly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client responds to questions with disorganized speech:
Disorganized speech is a hallmark of acute mania, often reflecting racing thoughts, pressured speech, and difficulty staying on topic.
B. The client reports that voices are telling him to write a novel:
Reporting that voices are telling the client to write a novel suggests auditory hallucinations, which can occur in various psychiatric conditions, not specifically indicative of acute mania.
C. The client's spouse reports that the client has recently gained weight:
Weight gain is not a typical hallmark of acute mania. In fact, during manic episodes, individuals might experience decreased appetite and sleep, leading to potential weight loss.
D. The client is dressed in all black:
Dressing in all black is not a specific sign of acute mania. While changes in clothing choices or appearance can sometimes be associated with mood changes, this finding alone is not indicative of acute mania.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client will implement alternative strategies for managing anxiety.
While addressing anxiety is important for the overall well-being of the client, it may not be the highest priority in this context. The immediate physical safety of the client during alcohol withdrawal takes precedence over addressing anxiety.
B. The client will acknowledge alcohol dependence and need for treatment.
Recognizing alcohol dependence and the need for treatment is an important step, but it may not be the highest priority. It is more focused on the client's acceptance and understanding of their situation rather than addressing immediate health risks.
C. The client's withdrawal from alcohol will be managed without complications.
This is the correct answer. Managing alcohol withdrawal without complications is the highest priority goal in this scenario. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to severe physical symptoms, including seizures and delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. Ensuring the safe and medically supervised management of withdrawal is crucial for the client's immediate well-being.
D. The client will rebuild damaged interpersonal relationships.
While repairing damaged relationships is important for the client's overall rehabilitation, it's not the highest priority in this context. Physical health and safety take precedence over addressing interpersonal issues.
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