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

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This response is an appropriate nursing response in this situation. It acknowledges the client's need for assistance with grocery shopping while also recognizing that shopping and personal errands are not within the nurse's job description. By suggesting to explore other resources, the nurse can help the client find alternative solutions to meet their needs. This response demonstrates a willingness to support the client and collaborate on finding appropriate assistance, while also maintaining professional boundaries and responsibilities.

A. "I won't be able to shop for you today because I have to get home to my family." This response is inappropriate because it focuses on the nurse's personal circumstances and may come across as dismissive of the client's request for help. It does not address the client's needs or offer any alternative solutions.

B. "What I think you should do is wait for the days when you feel better and do your grocery shopping then." This response is dismissive of the client's current situation and does not offer any practical assistance or support. It implies that the client should simply wait for their condition to improve without addressing their immediate needs.

D. "I would be happy to do whatever I can to help you." While this response may initially seem supportive, it is inappropriate because shopping and performing personal errands for the client are not within the nurse's job description. It is important for the nurse to establish professional boundaries and adhere to the responsibilities outlined in their job description.

A. Explore the truth of the client's statements. B. Establish a therapeutic nurse-client relationship. C. Set behavioral limits for the client D. Show the client around the unit and introduce her to other clients.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The priority action in this situation is to set behavioral limits for the client. This is important for maintaining a safe environment for the client, other staff members, and other clients. By setting limits, the nurse establishes clear boundaries and expectations for behavior, helping to prevent the escalation of aggression or violence.
Let's examine why the other choices are incorrect:

A. Exploring the truth of the client's statements: While it is important to listen to and validate the client's concerns, in this particular situation, where the client is becoming agitated and confrontational, addressing the truth of their statements is not the priority. The immediate concern is ensuring safety and de-escalating the situation.

B. Establishing a therapeutic nurse-client relationship: Developing a therapeutic relationship is crucial for providing effective care, but it may not be the immediate priority when a client is displaying aggressive or violent behavior. Safety takes precedence in such situations, and setting behavioral limits is necessary before establishing a therapeutic relationship can effectively occur.

D. Showing the client around the unit and introducing her to other clients: This action is inappropriate during an agitated and confrontational episode. It is important to first
address the client's behavior and ensure the safety of all individuals involved before engaging in social activities or introductions.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assisting in the admission process for a client who has a history of violent behavior. The client stands up and begins clenching her fists and arguing with the nurse. Which of the following actions is the priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client with whom he has developed a therapeutic relationship and who will be discharged later in the day. The client thanks the nurse for his help during the hospitalization. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for a client in an acute care mental health unit who was involuntarily admitted for 72 hr after attacking a neighbor. To keep the client in the hospital when the initial time to hold the client expires, which of the following must be determined?

A nurse observes that a client is sitting alone in her room crying. As the nurse approaches, she states, "I'm feeling really down and don't want to talk to anyone right now." Which of the following responses is appropriate for the nurse?

A client who has rheumatoid arthritis shows the nurse at her provider's office her magnetic copper bracelet and says that it helps alleviate her pain when she wears it. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and is agitated. The client says, "I have to go home and see my mother." The nurse replies, "You miss your mother." Which of the following therapeutic techniques is the nurse using?

A nurse is caring for a client following the recent, sudden death of his partner. The client says, "I feel paralyzed and can't seem to cope with work or family responsibilities anymore." Which of the following types of crisis is the client demonstrating?

A nurse is caring for a client who has a major depressive disorder. Which of the following actions should the nurse take when developing a relationship with the client?