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 C
Explanation
A. Antidepressants usually take several weeks to start taking effect, so the statement "I can be on my antidepressant taking three to five days to be effective" is not correct.
B. While positive thinking can play a role in managing mood, depression is a complex disorder that often requires more than just positive thoughts to treat. The statement "I can cure my depression by thinking positive thoughts" oversimplifies the condition.
C. "I will attend psychotherapy to help manage my depression."
Explanation:
Depressive disorders, including major depression, are complex conditions that typically require a multifaceted approach to treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is an important component of treating depression. It involves working with a trained therapist to explore and address the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contributing to the depression. Psychotherapy can help individuals develop coping strategies, improve problem-solving skills, and gain insight into their condition.
D. Depression is not something that can be simply chosen to be stopped voluntarily. It is a mental health disorder that often requires professional treatment and support. The statement "I need to make a voluntary choice to stop feeling depressed" does not accurately capture the nature of depression.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "Tell me who you think doesn't care about you."
Explanation: This response might come across as confrontational or defensive, which could discourage the client from opening up further. It's important to offer support and understanding rather than putting the client on the spot.
B. "Of course people care. Your family comes to visit every day."
Explanation: While it's true that the client's family visits, depression often distorts perception and emotions. Telling the client that people care might not be fully effective in addressing their feelings of worthlessness.
C. "Why do you feel that way?"
Explanation: This response opens the door for the client to express their emotions and thoughts. It encourages further conversation and helps the nurse understand the underlying causes of the client's feelings.
D. "I care about you, and I am concerned that you feel so sad."
Explanation: Correct Answer. This response shows empathy and genuine concern for the client's well-being. It acknowledges the client's emotions, offers support, and validates their feelings.
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