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?

The correct answer is choice b. Moderate.

Choice A rationale: Severe anxiety is characterized by a significant reduction in the ability to perceive and process information. The individual may experience intense physical symptoms such as dizziness, hyperventilation, and a sense of impending doom. The client’s ability to focus is greatly diminished, and they may have difficulty functioning.

Choice B rationale: Moderate anxiety involves a heightened sense of awareness and a narrowing of the perceptual field. The individual may experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and muscle tension. They can still focus and problem-solve but may need assistance. The client’s symptoms of chest pain, headache, and shortness of breath, along with their emotional distress, align with moderate anxiety.

Choice C rationale: Mild anxiety is associated with a slight increase in alertness and perception. The individual may feel restless and have minor physical symptoms like slight muscle tension. They can still function effectively and use coping mechanisms to manage their anxiety.

Choice D rationale: Panic level anxiety is the most severe form and involves a complete disruption of the ability to function. The individual may experience extreme physical symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, and a sense of losing control. They may be unable to communicate effectively or respond to their environment.

Each level of anxiety presents differently, and understanding these differences helps in providing appropriate care and interventions.

Choice A rationale:

While it's true that the nurse has released the client's information without their explicit consent, this action is justified under the duty to warn and protect.

This duty supersedes the general obligation to maintain confidentiality when there's a serious and imminent threat to identifiable individuals or the public.

In this case, the client's verbal threat to bomb a local church constitutes a credible and foreseeable risk of harm, necessitating the breach of confidentiality to protect potential victims.

Choice B rationale:

Although the nurse's actions may help to avoid malpractice charges by demonstrating responsible care and adherence to ethical obligations, this is not the primary reason for notifying the minister.

The primary goal is to avert harm and fulfill the duty to warn, not to shield oneself from legal liability.

Choice C rationale:

This is the correct answer. The nurse has acted in accordance with the duty to warn and protect, which is a legal and ethical obligation in healthcare.

This duty mandates that healthcare professionals take reasonable steps to warn potential victims and protect the public when a patient communicates a serious threat of harm.

Choice D rationale:

While confidentiality is a cornerstone of healthcare ethics, it's not absolute.

The duty to warn and protect allows for limited breaches of confidentiality when necessary to prevent serious harm, as in this case.

The nurse's actions align with ethical principles and legal requirements, even though they involve disclosing confidential information.