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 B

Explanation

A. Helping the client identify positive personality traits.

While addressing self-esteem and positive personality traits is valuable for the client's overall well-being, it is not the immediate priority during the detoxification phase. Ensuring physiological safety comes first.

B. Providing for adequate hydration and rest.

Explanation: The detoxification process from alcohol can result in withdrawal symptoms that range from mild discomfort to severe medical complications. Adequate hydration and rest are essential during this phase to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent potential complications such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and seizures. Maintaining the client's physiological stability is of utmost importance.

C. Educating the client about the consequences of alcohol misuse.

Providing education about the consequences of alcohol misuse is important for the client's understanding and motivation for recovery, but it's not the primary concern during the initial detoxification phase.

D. Confronting the use of denial and other defense mechanisms.

Addressing denial and defense mechanisms is important for therapy, but it might not be the immediate priority. Physiological stabilization through hydration and rest takes precedence in the detoxification phase.

A. Explain the client that the behavior was unacceptable. B. Explore the truth of the client's statements. C. Set behavioral limits for the client. D. Establish a client relationship

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Explain to the client that the behavior was unacceptable: While addressing the behavior is important, it is more effective to first establish clear limits and boundaries to prevent further incidents.

B. Explore the truth of the client’s statements: This step involves assessing the client's statements and understanding their perspective, which is important but can be done after setting behavioral limits.

C. Set behavioral limits for the client: Establishing clear behavioral limits is crucial for maintaining safety and order in the psychiatric unit. It helps ensure that the client understands what is expected of them and the consequences of unacceptable behavior. This is particularly important if the client has exhibited aggressive behavior, as it helps prevent further incidents and maintains a safe environment for everyone.

D. Establish a client relationship: Building a therapeutic relationship is essential for effective treatment, but it should be done in the context of a safe environment where clear behavioral expectations have already been established.

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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

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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