A nurse is assessing a young adult client who has a new diagnosis of Idiopathic Juvenile arthritis. The client states. "The pain in my joints is just a temporary thing. If I keep eating right and exercising, it'll go away." The nurse should identify that the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?
Displacement
Reaction formation
Denial
Rationalization
The Correct Answer is C
Answer: C
Rationale:
A) Displacement:
Displacement involves redirecting emotions or feelings from the original source to a safer or more acceptable substitute. In this scenario, the client is not redirecting their feelings about their condition onto another person or object, so displacement does not apply.
B) Reaction formation:
Reaction formation is when a person behaves in a way that is opposite to their actual feelings or thoughts to conceal them. The client is not expressing the opposite of their true feelings about their condition; instead, they are downplaying the seriousness of their diagnosis.
C) Denial:
Denial involves refusing to accept reality or facts, thus blocking external events from awareness. By believing that proper diet and exercise alone will make the joint pain go away, the client is refusing to accept the chronic nature of their condition and its long-term implications.
D) Rationalization:
Rationalization involves creating logical reasons or excuses for behaviors or feelings to avoid facing the true reasons. The client is not making excuses or trying to justify their feelings; instead, they are denying the chronic nature of their arthritis, which makes denial the correct defense mechanism in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The response "You are feeling drawn in two different directions" acknowledges the daughter's conflicting feelings and validates her emotions. It demonstrates empathy and understanding of her situation. It can help the daughter feel heard and supported and opens up an opportunity for further conversation about her concerns and possible solutions.
The other options are less appropriate:
A- "Don't worry. We'll take good care of your father while you are gone." While this response reassures the daughter about her father's care, it does not address her emotional conflict or provide support for her own needs and concerns.
B- "Perhaps you could stay here and just call your family to see how they are doing." This response minimizes the daughter's situation and does not fully acknowledge her need to be with her own family. It may overlook the emotional strain and responsibilities she may have outside of the hospital.
C-"There's nothing you can do here. You should go home to your family." This response dismisses the daughter's feelings and implies that her presence is not necessary or valuable. It does not consider her desire to support her father or the importance of maintaining a connection with him during his hospitalization.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Leaving the child's room exactly as it was before the loss suggests that the client is unable to accept and adapt to the reality of the child's death. This behavior can be considered maladaptive because it hinders the process of mourning and moving forward. It may reflect a difficulty in accepting the loss and adjusting to life without the child.
The other actions mentioned in the options are not necessarily indicative of maladaptive grieving:
B. Visiting the child's grave every week: Visiting the child's grave can be a normal part of the grieving process for some individuals. It provides an opportunity for the client to remember and honor the child's memory.
C. Talking about the child in the past tense: It is common for individuals to talk about a deceased loved one in the past tense. This does not necessarily indicate maladaptive grieving. It is a way of acknowledging the loss and recognizing that the person is no longer physically present.
D. Volunteering at a local children's hospital: Engaging in volunteer work can be a positive coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced a loss. It allows them to find meaning, connection, and a sense of purpose through helping others.
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