A nurse is caring for a client who appears anxious following a recent tragedy.
Which of the following statements by the client reflects an adaptive use of sublimation?
"I can't remember anything that happened, but I am okay."
"I'm not capable of moving past this time in my life."
"I do not have anxiety, and I'm not sure why you think I do."
"I will work out in the gym every time I get mad about what happened.".
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Repression: This statement suggests that the client is unconsciously blocking out memories of the tragedy as a way to cope with the anxiety. While repression can be a defense mechanism, it's not considered an adaptive use of sublimation.
Sublimation involves channeling anxiety into a productive or socially acceptable activity.
Denial of anxiety: The client's denial of anxiety, despite outward signs of distress, indicates a lack of awareness or acceptance of their emotional state. This can hinder effective coping and processing of the trauma.
Potential for delayed or prolonged distress: Repressed memories can resurface later, often in unexpected or disruptive ways, potentially leading to prolonged or intensified distress.
Choice B rationale:
Hopelessness and helplessness: The client's statement reflects a sense of defeat and a belief that they are incapable of overcoming the trauma. This can lead to feelings of despair, isolation, and withdrawal.
Lack of adaptive coping mechanisms: The client's inability to envision a future beyond the tragedy suggests a lack of healthy coping strategies to manage their anxiety and move forward.
Risk of prolonged distress and potential for depression: Persistent feelings of hopelessness and helplessness can increase the risk of developing depression or other mental health conditions.
Choice C rationale:
Denial of anxiety and potential lack of insight: The client's denial of anxiety, despite the nurse's observation, suggests a lack of awareness or acceptance of their emotional state. This can impede effective coping and processing of the trauma.
Potential resistance to support: The client's defensiveness may make it challenging for them to receive support or engage in therapeutic interventions.
Risk of delayed or unmanaged distress: If the client continues to deny their anxiety, they may not seek appropriate help, potentially leading to prolonged or intensified distress.
Choice D rationale:
Sublimation: This statement demonstrates the client's ability to channel their anxiety into a constructive and healthy outlet. Physical activity can provide a release for pent-up emotions, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Adaptive coping mechanism: The client's choice to engage in physical activity as a way to manage their emotions indicates a positive coping strategy that can promote resilience and recovery.
Potential for improved mental and physical health: Regular exercise has numerous benefits for both mental and physical health, which can support the client's overall well-being and recovery process.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who has depression - Correct.
Explanation:
Depression is a significant risk factor for suicide. Individuals with depression may experience feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and despair, which can contribute to suicidal ideation. It is crucial for the mental health nurse to carefully assess and monitor individuals with depression for any signs of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Prompt intervention and support are essential to address the underlying issues and mitigate the risk of suicide.
Explanation for other choices:
B. A client whose family visits him every week from out of town.
- Family support is generally considered a protective factor against suicide. Regular family visits can provide emotional support and a sense of connection, reducing the risk.
C. A pregnant female client who is at 8 months gestation.
- Pregnancy alone is not a direct risk factor for suicide. However, mental health issues during pregnancy, such as depression, should be assessed and addressed appropriately.
D. A client who has a lot of friends.
- This scenario does not provide enough information for a clear assessment of suicide risk. Social interactions can be both protective and risk factors, depending on the individual's overall situation and support network. Further assessment would be needed to determine the significance of this factor.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Obsession over a fictitious defect in physical appearance is characteristic of body dysmorphic disorder, not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
Individuals with body dysmorphic disorder become preoccupied with an imagined or slight defect in their appearance, often to the point of significant distress and impairment in functioning.
They may engage in excessive grooming behaviors, repeatedly check their appearance in mirrors, or avoid social situations due to their appearance concerns.
While individuals with GAD may also experience concerns about their physical appearance, these concerns are typically not as severe or pervasive as those seen in body dysmorphic disorder.
Choice B rationale:
Constant worry about the undiagnosed presence of an illness is a hallmark feature of GAD.
Individuals with GAD often experience excessive worry about a variety of things, including health, finances, relationships, and work.
This worry is often accompanied by physical symptoms such as restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension.
The worry is typically difficult to control and can significantly interfere with daily life.
Choice C rationale:
Sudden unexplained loss of vision without a physical medical explanation is not a common symptom of GAD. It may be indicative of a more serious medical condition, such as a stroke or a neurological disorder.
It is important to rule out any potential medical causes before attributing a symptom like this to GAD.
Choice D rationale:
Prior physical health followed by the need for two surgeries within the last three months may be a stressful life event that could contribute to the development of GAD.
However, it is not a specific symptom of GAD.
Many people experience stressful life events without developing GAD.
The presence of other symptoms, such as excessive worry and physical symptoms, is necessary for a diagnosis of GAD.
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