A nurse in a community health facility is interviewing a client who recently lost his job. The client states. "I was fired because my boss doesn't like me." Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client displaying?
Displacement
Rationalization
Dissociation
Repression
The Correct Answer is B
A. Displacement:
Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects their feelings, often negative or hostile ones, from the original source or target to a different, less threatening target. For example, if the client were to express anger at their boss by yelling at their family members instead, it would be an example of displacement.
B. Rationalization:
Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person provides logical or reasonable explanations to justify or explain a situation or behavior, even if these explanations are not entirely true or valid. It involves creating justifications or excuses to make an event or one's actions appear more reasonable or acceptable. In this case, the client is rationalizing the job loss by attributing it to their boss not liking them, which may be an oversimplified or inaccurate explanation.
C. Dissociation:
Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person mentally separates themselves from their own thoughts, feelings, or experiences to cope with overwhelming or traumatic situations. It involves a disconnection from reality. The client's statement doesn't suggest dissociation; rather, they are providing a reason for their job loss.
D. Repression:
Repression is a defense mechanism that involves the unconscious exclusion of painful or anxiety-provoking thoughts, feelings, or memories from awareness. It is not readily visible or expressed in behavior. The client's statement involves a conscious attempt to explain their job loss, so it's not an example of repression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The client states that he will harm himself unless the restraints are removed.
This statement indicates a clear risk, but merely stating a desire for restraint removal is not sufficient reason to remove restraints. It's essential to assess the patient comprehensively and make the decision based on their current state and safety concerns.
B. The client demonstrates that he is oriented to person, place, and time.
When a restrained patient shows orientation to person (knows who they are and who others are), place (knows where they are), and time (knows the current date and time), it suggests they are aware of their surroundings and can make rational decisions. This orientation indicates a level of awareness that might justify removing the restraints.
C. The client is able to follow commands.
While following commands is an important aspect, it alone might not be enough to guarantee the patient's overall awareness of their situation and safety. A comprehensive assessment, including orientation and ability to follow commands, is necessary.
D. The client refuses to take his medication unless he is released.
Medication refusal alone may not be a sufficient reason to remove restraints, especially if the patient is not demonstrating an understanding of their situation or if releasing the restraints could pose a risk to the patient or others.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reaction Formation:
Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who harbors unconscious aggressive feelings might display exaggerated friendliness and kindness. In the given scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not contradictory to their true feelings; they are imitating the charge nurse willingly.
B. Suppression:
Suppression is a conscious effort to push down or hide certain thoughts or feelings. Unlike repression (which is unconscious), suppression involves a deliberate choice not to think about or dwell on certain emotions or thoughts. In the scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not an example of suppression because they are not consciously trying to hide their actions.
C. Identification:
Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously models their behavior, feelings, or attitudes after those of someone else, especially someone they perceive as powerful or significant. In this scenario, the newly licensed nurse is imitating the behaviors of the charge nurse, which is an example of identification.
D. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual consciously or unconsciously covers up weaknesses, frustrations, or feelings of inadequacy by emphasizing strengths or seeking to excel in other areas. It involves making up for a perceived lack by putting extra effort into another aspect of life. The scenario does not describe the newly licensed nurse compensating for any perceived weakness; they are simply imitating the charge nurse's behavior.
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