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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. The client has begun playing basketball with several other clients during the past month.

Engaging in activities and social interactions can actually be a positive sign, as it suggests involvement and connection with others, which can be protective against suicide.

B. The client identifies with problems expressed by other clients.

Identifying with others' problems may indicate empathy, but it is not necessarily indicative of suicide risk on its own.

C. The client's behavior has become impulsive in the past few weeks.

Explanation: Impulsivity can be a significant risk factor for suicide. A sudden increase in impulsive behavior might indicate that the client is not thinking clearly and is acting without considering the potential consequences. Impulsivity can lead to actions that are harmful or dangerous, including suicidal behaviors.

D. The client states she wants to go home to be with her children and partner.

Expressing a desire to be with loved ones is generally not an indicator of suicide risk. In fact, having a strong support system can be protective against suicidal thoughts.

A. Focus attention on meaningful tasks. B. Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level. C. Manipulate and control others' behaviors. D. Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While the behavior may occupy the client's time and attention, the primary motivation behind OCD-related compulsions is not to engage in meaningful tasks but rather to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessive thoughts.

B. Decrease anxiety to a tolerable level.

Explanation: Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) often engage in compulsive behaviors, such as cleaning, organizing, or checking, as a way to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessive thoughts. In this scenario, the client's constant picking up after others is likely a compulsive behavior that serves the purpose of decreasing their anxiety to a tolerable level. The act of tidying up may temporarily alleviate the distress caused by obsessive thoughts related to cleanliness, order, or potential harm.

C. Manipulate and control others' behaviors.

The behavior described does not inherently indicate a desire to manipulate or control others. The behavior is driven by the client's internal anxiety rather than an intention to control external factors.

D. Limit the amount of time available to interact with others.

The behavior is more closely related to managing anxiety than limiting social interactions. OCD-related behaviors are driven by the need to reduce distress, not necessarily to avoid interacting with others.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an acute care mental health facility is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder. Which of the following findings indicates the client is at risk for suicide?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and is constantly picking up after others in the day room. The nurse should recognize that the client uses this behavior to do which of the following?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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