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
When planning an interview for a newly admitted client and deciding who to include, the nurse should use the method of including people whom the client views as family. It is important to consider the client's perception and definition of family, as this can vary from person to person. Family can include not only blood relatives or individuals related by marriage but also those who have significant emotional connections and provide support to the client.
Incorrect:
A. Including people who can support the client adequately: While it is essential to include individuals who can provide support to the client, support can come from various sources beyond family members. Including only those who can support the client adequately may exclude important individuals in the client's life who are not considered family but still play a significant role.
B. Including people who live in the same house with the client: While individuals living in the same house as the client may have daily interactions and involvement in the client's life, they may not necessarily be considered family by the client. It is crucial to consider the client's perception of family and include individuals based on that definition.
D. Including people who are related to the client by blood and marriage: While blood relatives and individuals related by marriage can be part of the client's family, limiting the inclusion to only these individuals may exclude others who are important to the client's support system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Autonomy is the ethical principle that upholds an individual's right to make decisions about their own care and treatment. Respecting autonomy means acknowledging and honoring a person's right to make choices based on their own values, beliefs, and preferences. By importing a client's wishes to refuse prescribed treatments, the nurse is recognizing and respecting the client's autonomy. This shows that the nurse values the client's right to make decisions about their own healthcare and supports their choice, even if it may differ from what the nurse may recommend.
Incorrect:
A. Spending extra time to calm an agitated client demonstrates the ethical principle of beneficence, which is the duty to promote the well-being and welfare of the client.
B. Ensuring that a client understands expectations for group participation relates to the ethical principle of fidelity, which involves maintaining trust and keeping promises to the client.
C. Describing the adverse effects of a client's medications is important for informed consent and promoting understanding, but it does not directly involve the client's autonomy unless it is accompanied by a discussion of the client's choices and preferences regarding medication.

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.
