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 C
Explanation
This statement implies that the nurse is taking sides and suggesting a specific course of action to the client. It is important for the nurse to remain neutral and non-directive during family therapy sessions. The nurse's role is to facilitate open communication, active listening, and understanding between the family members, rather than imposing their own opinions or suggesting specific solutions.
To ensure a therapeutic and unbiased approach, the nurse should intervene and provide feedback to the newly licensed nurse, reminding them to maintain a neutral stance and encourage the client to explore their own perspectives and feelings about the relationship.
Incorrect:
A. "We should invite your partner to be a part of our discussion." This statement suggests involving the partner, which is a common practice in family therapy. It recognizes the importance of including all relevant family members in the therapeutic process.
B. "Tell me about the concerns that you have regarding your relationship." This statement encourages the client to express their concerns and provides an opportunity for them to share their thoughts and feelings about the relationship. It promotes open communication and active listening.
D. "Relationship difficulties are stressful and require effort to resolve." This statement acknowledges the challenges in relationships and emphasizes the need for active participation and effort to address and resolve issues. It sets a realistic expectation for the client and supports their engagement in the therapeutic process.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The priority action in this situation is to set behavioral limits for the client. This is important for maintaining a safe environment for the client, other staff members, and other clients. By setting limits, the nurse establishes clear boundaries and expectations for behavior, helping to prevent the escalation of aggression or violence.
Let's examine why the other choices are incorrect:
A. Exploring the truth of the client's statements: While it is important to listen to and validate the client's concerns, in this particular situation, where the client is becoming agitated and confrontational, addressing the truth of their statements is not the priority. The immediate concern is ensuring safety and de-escalating the situation.
B. Establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship: Developing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for providing effective care, but it may not be the immediate priority when a client is displaying aggressive or violent behavior. Safety takes precedence in such situations, and setting behavioral limits is necessary before establishing a therapeutic relationship can effectively occur.
D. Showing the client around the unit and introducing her to other clients: This action is inappropriate during an agitated and confrontational episode. It is important to first
address the client's behavior and ensure the safety of all individuals involved before engaging in social activities or introductions.
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