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 D
Explanation
A. "Using nontraditional treatments is not a good idea. I'd rather you avoid that route."
This response is directive and dismissive of the client's choice. It does not promote open communication or respect for the client's autonomy and beliefs.
B. "Your provider is very knowledgeable. If he prescribes chemotherapy, it's the best treatment for you."
While healthcare providers have expertise, this response doesn't address the client's concerns or give them an opportunity to express their feelings. It may come across as authoritarian and not respecting the client's wishes.
C. "A lot of people think nontraditional treatments will work, and they find out too late that they made the wrong choice."
This response uses scare tactics and doesn't address the client's individual needs or concerns. It does not foster a trusting and respectful nurse-client relationship.
D. "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."
This is the most appropriate response. It demonstrates active listening, empathy, and a willingness to understand the client's perspective. By asking the client to share more about their concerns, the nurse can engage in a meaningful conversation and provide information and support based on the client's needs.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Tell me about the concerns that you have regarding your relationship."
This choice is an appropriate and open-ended question that encourages the client to express their feelings and concerns. It helps in building rapport and understanding the client's perspective.
B. "Relationship difficulties are stressful and require effort to resolve."
This choice acknowledges the challenges of relationship difficulties and conveys a supportive and empathetic attitude. It is a reasonable and non-biased statement.
C. "We could develop a plan for how to talk about this with your partner."
This choice suggests a proactive approach to address the client's concerns and promote effective communication. It is a helpful and appropriate statement.
D. "You should try to see your partner's point of view before your own."
This statement implies a biased approach, suggesting that the client should prioritize their partner's perspective over their own. While empathy and understanding are important in relationships, it's not appropriate for a healthcare professional to imply that one perspective is more important than the other. The nurse should encourage open communication and understanding from both sides rather than favoring one viewpoint.
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