A nurse is admitting a client to an alcohol abuse program. The client states, "I'm here because of my boss.
It was part of my job to go to parties and drink with clients." The client's statement is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Suppression.

Rationalization.

Reaction-formation.

Compensation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Suppression involves the conscious, intentional effort to push unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories out of awareness. It is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not actively trying to forget or avoid their alcohol use. Instead, they are attempting to justify it.

Choice B Rationale:

Rationalization is the defense mechanism most clearly demonstrated in the client's statement. It involves creating false but seemingly logical reasons to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings. The client is attributing their alcohol use to external factors (their boss and job requirements) rather than taking responsibility for their own choices and actions. This allows them to avoid confronting the reality of their addiction and the need for change.

Key characteristics of rationalization that align with the client's statement:

Externalizing blame: The client places responsibility for their drinking on their boss and job, rather than acknowledging their own agency.

Minimizing the problem: The client suggests that their drinking was merely a necessary part of their job, downplaying the extent of their alcohol use and its negative consequences.

Avoiding negative emotions: By shifting blame, the client protects themselves from feelings of guilt, shame, and responsibility associated with their addiction.

Choice C Rationale:

Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings or impulses. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not expressing overly negative or critical attitudes towards alcohol. Instead, they are attempting to justify their use of it.

Choice D Rationale:

Compensation involves overemphasizing a desirable trait or behavior to make up for a perceived weakness or deficiency. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not highlighting any positive qualities or accomplishments to offset their alcohol use.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

Step 1: Identify the required dose of lithium, which is 300 mg.

Step 2: Identify the available dose of lithium carbonate, which is 150 mg per capsule.

Step 3: Calculate the number of capsules needed using the formula: Number of capsules = Required dose ÷ Available dose.

Numberofcapsules=300 mg150 mg/capsule

$Number\ of\ capsules = {300\ mg \over 150\ mg/capsule}$

Step 4: Solve the equation.

Numberofcapsules=2 capsulesNumberofcapsules=2capsules

So, the nurse should administer 2 capsules per dose to achieve the required lithium dose of 300 mg.

A. "The ritualistic behavior temporarily relieves anxiety." B. "The ritualistic behavior provides sexual satisfaction." C. "The client performs ritualistic behavior to decrease feelings of shame." D. "The client performs ritualistic behavior to boost self-esteem." .

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Anxiety reduction is the core motivation for ritualistic behaviors in OCD. Individuals with OCD experience intrusive, distressing thoughts (obsessions) that trigger intense anxiety. To neutralize this anxiety, they engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that provide temporary relief.

The relief is often short-lived, leading to a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. This cycle can become debilitating and significantly impair daily functioning.

Research supports the anxiety-reduction model of OCD. Studies have shown that engaging in compulsions reduces anxiety in individuals with OCD, both subjectively and physiologically.

Neuroimaging studies have also demonstrated that ritualistic behaviors activate brain regions involved in anxiety and fear processing. This suggests that compulsions have a direct effect on the brain's anxiety circuitry.

Choice B rationale:

Sexual satisfaction is not a typical motivation for ritualistic behaviors in OCD. While some compulsions may have a sexual component (e.g., checking for arousal), the primary goal is to reduce anxiety, not to achieve sexual gratification.

Choice C rationale:

Feelings of shame may be associated with OCD, but they are not the primary driving force behind ritualistic behaviors. Shame often arises from the content of obsessions (e.g., thoughts about contamination, harm, or taboo subjects) or the perceived social stigma of OCD. However, the urge to perform compulsions stems from the need to alleviate anxiety, not to decrease shame.

Choice D rationale:

Boosting self-esteem is not a common motivation for ritualistic behaviors in OCD. In fact, many individuals with OCD experience low self-esteem due to the impact of the disorder on their lives. Compulsions may provide a temporary sense of control or mastery, but they do not typically lead to lasting improvements in self-esteem.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is admitting a client to an alcohol abuse program. The client states, "I'm here because of my boss.It was part of my job to go to parties and drink with clients." The client's statement is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer lithium 300 mg PO every 8 hr. Available is lithium carbonate 150 mg capsules. How many capsules should the nurse administer per dose? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

Correct Answer is ["2"]

Explanation

A nurse is discussing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with a newly licensed nurse.Which of the following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the underlying reason clients with OCD perform ritualistic behaviors?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A school nurse is talking with a 13-year-old female at her annual health-screening visit.Which of the following comments made by the adolescent should be the nurse's priority to address?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

A nurse in a mental health facility is planning care for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is newly admitted to the unit. Which of the following actions should the mental health nurse plan to take regarding the client's compulsive behaviors?

A nurse is planning care for a client who demonstrates manipulative behavior. Which of the following interventions should be included in the plan of care?

A nurse is admitting a client who is about to undergo surgery for benign prostatic hypertrophy.The client states, "I don't know what I will do if they find I have cancer." Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A registered nurse is called to the home of a neighbor and finds an unconscious person still holding a medication bottle labeled "clonazepam". What is the nurse's first action?

A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and is taking buspirone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse report to the provider?

A nurse asks a client who is suicidal to make a safety contract, but the client declines. Which of the following actions should the nurse identify as the priority?

A nurse is admitting a client to an alcohol abuse program. The client states, "I'm here because of my boss.
It was part of my job to go to parties and drink with clients." The client's statement is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?