A nurse is assessing a client who has a recent diagnosis of dissociative identity disorder. The client tells the nurse, "I think my blackouts are actually caused by low blood sugar." The nurse should recognize the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?
Suppression
Sublimation
Projection
Rationalization
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Suppression is a conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need in order to cope with the present reality. It's unlikely that the client is consciously choosing to ignore the cause of their blackouts.
Choice B reason: Sublimation is a way of dealing with unacceptable impulses by unconsciously substituting acceptable forms of expression. This defense mechanism doesn't typically apply to explaining symptoms like blackouts.
Choice C reason: Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to another person. Since the client is providing an explanation for their own symptoms, rather than attributing them to someone else, projection is not the defense mechanism at play here.
Choice D reason: Rationalization involves justifying behaviors or feelings with logical reasons, even if they are not appropriate. The client's attribution of blackouts to low blood sugar, despite a diagnosis that suggests a psychological cause, is a form of rationalization.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chlordiazepoxide is a benzodiazepine that is commonly used to treat the symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal. It works by enhancing the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has an overall calming effect on the nervous system. This helps to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, and the risk of seizures.
Choice B reason: Buprenorphine is an opioid partial agonist-antagonist used primarily to treat opioid addiction and is not typically used for alcohol withdrawal. While it can help with some withdrawal symptoms, it does not address the full spectrum of alcohol withdrawal symptoms and is not the standard treatment for this condition.
Choice C reason: Bupropion is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It affects neurotransmitters in the brain but is not indicated for the treatment of alcohol withdrawal. Therefore, it would not be the expected medication for managing acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Choice D reason: Disulfiram is used as a deterrent agent in the management of chronic alcoholism. It causes unpleasant effects when even small amounts of alcohol are consumed, which helps to maintain abstinence but is not used for treating acute withdrawal symptoms.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) offer structured treatment for mental health and substance misuse concerns, providing therapy for a few hours a day, several days a week. While beneficial, they may not offer the comprehensive, round-the-clock support needed by someone with a chronic mental illness.
Choice B reason: Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a form of community-based mental health care designed to help individuals with serious mental illnesses manage their symptoms and live independently in the community. ACT involves a multidisciplinary team approach and provides round-the-clock services, making it an ideal resource for chronic mental illness management.
Choice C reason: Patient-Centered Medical Homes (PCMHs) focus on providing comprehensive, coordinated care that is patient-centered and culturally appropriate. Although PCMHs offer a broad range of services, they may not be as intensive as ACT for managing chronic mental illness.
Choice D reason: Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are intensive outpatient treatment programs that allow patients to live at home while receiving daily treatment at a facility. PHPs are more intensive than IOPs but less so than inpatient care, and they may not provide the continuous support that ACT offers for chronic mental illness.
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