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?

Choice A reason: Asking the client about their hallucinations can provide valuable information about the content and nature of the hallucinations. This can help the nurse assess the client's current mental state and the potential impact of the hallucinations on their behavior and safety.

Choice B reason: Focusing the client on reality-based topics is a strategy that can be used after understanding the client's hallucinations. It's important to first acknowledge the client's experience before attempting to redirect their attention.

Choice C reason: Taking the client for a walk may be a good distraction technique, but it should not be the first action. The nurse needs to assess the client's safety and the potential risks associated with the hallucinations before engaging in activities.

Choice D reason: Encouraging the client to listen to music can be a therapeutic intervention to help distract from hallucinations. However, it is not the first action to take. The nurse should first understand the client's experience and ensure their safety.

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.