A nurse is assessing a client who has multiple injuries from a motor vehicle crash as a result of driving while under the influence of alcohol. The client tells the nurse," I had a few drinks after my boss fired me, but it's okay. Everything will work out somehow next week." Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?
Dissociation
Projection
Intellectualization
Suppression
The Correct Answer is D
Answer: (D) Suppression
Rationale:
A) Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disconnection from reality or the separation of thoughts, memories, or identity from conscious awareness. In this scenario, the client is not displaying any signs of disconnecting from reality or avoiding awareness of the situation through dissociation, making this defense mechanism unlikely.
B) Projection: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. The client in this situation is not blaming others or attributing their actions to someone else, so projection is not the defense mechanism being demonstrated here.
C) Intellectualization: Intellectualization involves using reasoning or logic to avoid emotional stress or anxiety. While the client does mention logical-sounding plans about things working out next week, their overall response does not primarily reflect an avoidance of emotion through reasoning, so intellectualization is not the correct choice.
D) Suppression: Suppression is the conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need in order to cope with the present situation. The client acknowledges the stress of being fired but chooses to push aside their distress by stating that "everything will work out somehow next week," indicating they are consciously choosing to set aside their anxiety for the time being. This aligns with the concept of suppression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Regression is a defense mechanism that involves reverting to an earlier stage of development or behaving in a way that is characteristic of an earlier developmental level in response to stress or anxiety. It is a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations by retreating to a previous, more comfortable state.
In the scenario described, the client's behavior of consistently being late for appointments and ignoring household chores while expressing the need to be taken care of indicates a regressive response to stress. By relying on others to take care of their responsibilities, the client is seeking a sense of security and support, similar to how they may have relied on others in the past, such as during childhood.
Inc
A- Repression involves the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts or impulses from conscious awareness.
B- Introjection is the internalization of values or qualities of another person or group.
C- Dissociation is a defense mechanism that involves detaching oneself from reality or the present moment to avoid emotional distress.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Validation is a technique used to acknowledge and validate the emotions and experiences of individuals with dementia, even if their thoughts or perceptions do not align with reality. In this scenario, the nurse responds by saying, "You miss your mother," which shows understanding and empathy toward the client's emotions. The nurse is validating the client's feelings rather than attempting to correct or redirect their thoughts.
A. Orientation to reality involves providing factual information and attempting to reorient individuals with dementia to the present time, place, and situation.
B. Remotivation is a technique used to stimulate memories and engage individuals with dementia in meaningful activities.
D. Guided imagery involves using vivid language and descriptive prompts to guide individuals into imagining pleasant or calming scenes.
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