A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about cultural bias in health care. The nurse should include that which of the following can occur as a result of cultural bias?

Choice A reason : Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant feelings, desires, or experiences from one's awareness. It is a way for the ego to protect itself from things that the individual cannot cope with at the moment. In the scenario provided, the client does not seem to be unconsciously blocking out the stress but is instead consciously choosing to focus on different aspects of their life at different times.

Choice B reason : Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism where an individual separates different aspects of their life, allowing them to handle conflicting values or emotions by keeping these aspects in separate 'compartments' in their mind. This seems to be what the client is doing by separating work stress from family life, thus being able to concentrate on family when at home despite the stress at work.

Choice C reason : Regression is a defense mechanism that leads an individual to revert to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. An example would be an adult throwing a tantrum when they don't get their way, which is not what the client is demonstrating in the scenario⁴.

Choice D reason : Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. For instance, someone who is angry at their colleague may accuse the colleague of being hostile towards them. The client's statement does not indicate that they are projecting their feelings onto others⁵.

Choice A reason : Identity refers to how individuals perceive themselves, including their beliefs, qualities, and expressions. It is the understanding of oneself as a distinct individual. In the context of the client's situation, while stress can impact one's sense of identity, the primary issue described does not directly relate to the client's identity but rather to their ability to fulfill expected roles.

Choice B reason : Role performance stressors arise when individuals feel they cannot meet the expectations associated with their social or work roles. In this case, the client is stressed due to the difficulty in balancing work responsibilities with the demands of caring for an ill family member. This indicates a conflict in role performance, as the client struggles to adequately fulfill the roles of both employee and caregiver.

Choice C reason : Body image pertains to one's perception of the physical self and the feelings associated with this perception. It includes how individuals view their own body and how they believe others perceive it. The client's stress does not stem from concerns about body image but from the pressures of their responsibilities.

Choice D reason : Self-esteem is the value one places on oneself, encompassing feelings of worthiness or unworthiness. It is influenced by various factors, including personal achievements and recognition from others. Although self-esteem can be affected by stress, the scenario provided specifically highlights the client's stress related to role fulfillment, not their self-worth.