A nurse is caring for a client who escapes anxiety-causing thoughts by ignoring their existence. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?
Denial
Splitting
Repression
Sublimation
The Correct Answer is C
Repression is a defense mechanism that involves pushing distressing or anxiety-provoking thoughts, memories, or impulses into the unconscious mind. By repressing these thoughts, the individual can avoid dealing with the associated anxiety or discomfort. In the given scenario, the client escapes from anxiety-causing thoughts by ignoring their existence, which aligns with the concept of repression.
Denial, another defense mechanism, involves refusing to acknowledge the existence of a distressing reality or truth. However, in this case, the client is not denying the existence of the thoughts but rather ignoring or avoiding them.
Splitting is a defense mechanism characterized by the inability to integrate positive and negative qualities of oneself or others into a cohesive whole. It is not applicable in this situation.
Sublimation is a defense mechanism in which individuals redirect their unacceptable impulses into more socially acceptable outlets. It involves channeling potentially harmful or unacceptable desires into constructive behaviors. The given scenario does not reflect sublimation as the individual is not redirecting their anxiety into a productive activity or behavior.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This response acknowledges the client's expressed desire not to talk and respects their boundaries. It shows support and presence by offering companionship without pressuring the client to discuss their feelings. The nurse's willingness to sit with the client demonstrates empathy and provides a sense of comfort and reassurance.
The other options are not as appropriate:
1. "It might help you feel better if you talk about it." This response disregards the client's stated preference not to talk and may create a sense of pressure or intrusiveness. It is important to respect the client's autonomy and readiness to share their feelings.
2. "Why are you feeling so down?" This response directly asks the client to explain their feelings, which they have already indicated they do not want to discuss. It can be seen as intrusive and may make the client feel uncomfortable or defensive.
3. "I understand. I've felt like that before, too." While empathy is important, this response brings the focus back to the nurse's own experiences, potentially diverting the attention from the client. It is important for the nurse to remain focused on the client's needs and create a supportive environment for them to express their feelings if they choose to do so.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Cognitive reframing involves changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns into more positive and constructive ones. By learning to change negative thoughts into positive statements, the client is actively engaging in cognitive reframing. This process helps the client challenge and reframe negative thoughts, replacing them with more positive and adaptive thoughts. By doing so, the client can reduce stress, improve their mood, and approach challenging situations with a more positive mindset. This technique is an effective way to cope with stress and promote emotional well-being.
Incorrect:
A. The client trains his mind to relax by using deep inner resources. This choice refers to relaxation techniques, which can be helpful for stress reduction but are not specifically related to cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing focuses on changing thought patterns rather than relaxation techniques.
B. The client learns the source of his stress by writing down daily events. While identifying the source of stress can be an important step in stress management, it is not specific to cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing involves challenging and changing negative thoughts, rather than solely focusing on identifying stressors.
C. The client imagines being in a quiet, relaxing environment. This choice refers to visualization or guided imagery techniques, which can also be helpful for relaxation but are not specifically related to cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing involves changing thoughts, beliefs, and interpretations, rather than focusing on imagining specific environments.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.