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
Choice A rationale:
Protecting the client from injury is the highest priority nursing action in this scenario. Here's a detailed rationale explaining the importance of this action:
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Judgmental and challenging: Asking "Why did you feel you needed to do that at this time?" implies that the parents' decision may not have been the best one. It puts them on the defensive and could make them feel like they need to justify their actions.
Not empathetic: This response does not acknowledge the parents' feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loss. It focuses on the decision itself rather than on the emotional impact it has had on the family.
Not supportive: The nurse's role is to provide support and understanding, not to the parents' decisions. This response does not offer any emotional support or validation.
Choice B rationale:
Empathetic and validating: This response acknowledges the parents' feelings and shows that the nurse understands how difficult it must have been to cancel their son's baseball registration. It also validates their decision, which can be helpful in coping with difficult situations.
Opens up communication: By expressing empathy, the nurse encourages the parents to share their feelings and experiences. This can help them to process their emotions and feel more supported.
Facilitates understanding: By recognizing the parents' frustration, the nurse can better understand their perspective and provide more tailored support. This can help to strengthen the nurse-client relationship and promote trust.
Choice C rationale:
False hope: While it is possible that the child's condition could improve, it is not realistic to offer false hope to the parents. This response could make it more difficult for them to accept the reality of their child's illness and could lead to disappointment and frustration in the future.
Dismissive of feelings: This response does not acknowledge the parents' current feelings of sadness and loss. It focuses on the future, which can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for parents who are facing a terminal illness.
Choice D rationale:
Irrelevant and insensitive: The dangers of baseball are not relevant to the parents' decision to cancel their son's registration. This response is dismissive of their feelings and does not offer any support or understanding.
Potentially offensive: This response could be interpreted as suggesting that the parents are being overprotective or that they are making a decision based on fear rather than on their child's best interests.
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