A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of cancer. The client states, "I can't think about my health until after my son is married next week." The nurse should identify the client's statement as an indication of which of the following maladaptive defense mechanisms?
Suppression
Projection
Splitting
Reaction formation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Suppression: Suppression is a conscious, intentional exclusion of distressing thoughts or feelings from awareness. The client is choosing to postpone thinking about their cancer diagnosis until after their son’s wedding, which reflects adaptive use of suppression to temporarily manage anxiety.
B. Projection: Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings onto another person. The client is not blaming or transferring feelings onto someone else, so projection is not demonstrated in this statement.
C. Splitting: Splitting is the inability to integrate positive and negative qualities of self or others, often seen in borderline personality disorder. The client’s statement does not reflect this distortion or black-and-white thinking.
D. Reaction formation: Reaction formation occurs when an individual behaves in a way opposite to their unacceptable feelings or impulses. The client is not exhibiting opposite behavior to hide true feelings; they are consciously postponing attention to stressors, which aligns with suppression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Bulimia nervosa is difficult to notice because a person might be of average or ideal body weight.": Individuals with bulimia often maintain a normal or slightly above/below average body weight despite engaging in binge-and-purge behaviors. This can make the disorder less apparent visually, emphasizing the need to assess behaviors rather than relying solely on weight.
B. "People who have bulimia nervosa are at risk for developing diabetes mellitus.": Bulimia does not directly increase the risk for diabetes mellitus. While electrolyte imbalances and metabolic disturbances can occur, diabetes is not a typical consequence of bulimia. Risk focuses more on gastrointestinal, dental, and cardiovascular complications.
C. "People who have bulimia nervosa eat an average amount of food on a daily basis.": Individuals with bulimia engage in episodes of binge eating, which involve consuming large quantities of food in a short period. Daily intake is often irregular and exceeds normal amounts during binges, contradicting this statement.
D. "As long as a person is not vomiting after eating, they do not have bulimia nervosa.": Bulimia nervosa can involve other compensatory behaviors, such as laxative misuse, fasting, or excessive exercise, in addition to vomiting. Absence of vomiting does not rule out the disorder.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "Avoid foods that contain vitamin K while taking this medication.": Vitamin K interactions are relevant to warfarin therapy, not haloperidol. There is no need for dietary restrictions related to vitamin K when taking haloperidol.
B. "Stop taking the medication if drowsiness occurs.": Drowsiness is a common side effect of haloperidol, but abruptly stopping the medication can lead to worsening psychotic symptoms or withdrawal effects. The client should be advised to use caution and report excessive sedation rather than discontinue independently.
C. "Rise slowly from a sitting position while taking the medication.": Haloperidol can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially in older adults. Advising the client to rise slowly helps prevent dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls, making it an important safety instruction.
D. "Take this medication with folic acid to enhance absorption.": Folic acid supplementation is not required for haloperidol absorption. Folic acid does not improve its effectiveness or bioavailability.
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