A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of metastatic lung cancer. The client states, "I can't think about that until after my first grandchild is born next week." The nurse should identify the client's statement as indicating the maladaptive use of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Suppression

Regression

Compensation

Sublimation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Suppression:
Suppression is a psychological defense mechanism where an individual consciously avoids thinking about certain thoughts, emotions, or impulses. It involves intentionally putting aside disturbing or anxiety-inducing thoughts temporarily. People use suppression as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or stressful situations by delaying dealing with them until they feel more prepared.

B. Regression:
Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to a previous stage of development in the face of stressful situations. For example, an adult may exhibit childlike behaviors or emotions during times of high stress. This regression is an unconscious way of seeking comfort and security from an earlier, less stressful time in life.

C. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism in which an individual tries to make up for a perceived deficiency in one area by excelling in another. For instance, someone who feels unattractive might compensate by becoming exceptionally skilled in a particular talent. Compensation involves overachieving in one area to cover up feelings of inadequacy in another.

D. Sublimation:
Sublimation is a defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or urges are channeled into socially acceptable and productive activities. For example, someone with aggressive tendencies might channel their aggression into sports or artistic pursuits. Sublimation involves transforming negative emotions or desires into positive, socially acceptable behaviors.

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 D

Explanation

A. "Talking about the traumatic experience is recommended."
This statement is generally correct. Many therapeutic approaches for PTSD, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, involve talking about the traumatic experience in a controlled and supportive environment. However, the timing and method of discussing the trauma should be guided by a mental health professional.

B. "Response prevention is an effective treatment for PTSD."
This statement is incorrect. Response prevention is a therapeutic technique often used in the treatment of anxiety disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It involves preventing the usual response to a trigger. However, for PTSD, exposure therapy, cognitive restructuring, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are more common therapeutic approaches.

C. "You should try to limit the number of hours that you sleep each day."
This statement is incorrect. Adequate sleep is crucial for overall mental and physical health, and disrupting sleep patterns can worsen symptoms of PTSD. Sleep disturbances are common in PTSD, and part of managing the disorder often involves addressing sleep problems.

D. "Avoiding stimuli that trigger memories of the trauma can help you overcome your PTSD."
This statement is generally correct. Avoiding triggers that bring back memories of the trauma is a common coping strategy. However, while avoidance might provide short-term relief, it's not a long-term solution. Evidence-based therapies often involve confronting and processing these triggers in a safe and controlled way, under the guidance of a therapist.

A. Withholding a prescribed medication that is causing adverse effects for the client B. Educating the client about legal rights concerning treatment C. Providing the client with quality care regardless of ability to pay for treatment D. Being truthful with the client about the manifestations of withdrawal.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Withholding a prescribed medication that is causing adverse effects for the client
The principle of nonmaleficence, often summarized as "do no harm," emphasizes the nurse's duty to prevent harm and to remove existing harm. If a medication prescribed to a client is causing adverse effects, the nurse should withhold the medication to prevent harm to the client.

B. Educating the client about legal rights concerning treatment
Educating the client about their legal rights falls under providing information and ensuring the client's autonomy but does not directly address the principle of non-maleficence.

C. Providing the client with quality care regardless of ability to pay for treatment
Providing quality care regardless of the client's ability to pay is an ethical practice, but it aligns more with the principles of justice and beneficence rather than nonmaleficence.

D. Being truthful with the client about the manifestations of withdrawal
Being truthful and providing accurate information to the client about withdrawal symptoms is crucial, but it doesn't directly address the principle of nonmaleficence.

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing teaching about disorder management for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is starting treatment for substance use disorder. Which of the following actions indicates the nurse is practicing the ethical principle of nonmaleficence?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a group of clients on a mental health unit. For which of the following clients is the nurse considered a mandated reporter to the appropriate agency?

A nurse is caring for a client who reports that he is angry with his partner because she thinks he is just trying to gain attention. When the nurse attempts to talk to the client, he becomes angry and tells her to leave. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?

A nurse is planning care for an adolescent who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following outcomes should the nurse include in the plan of care?

A nurse is assessing a client who has been receiving electroconvulsive therapy. Which of the following findings indicates the treatment is effective?

A nurse in a long-term care facility is assessing an older adult client for depression. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is leading a therapy session for a group of adolescent clients. Which of the following statements should the nurse identify as an adaptive use of ego defense mechanisms?

A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a newly admitted client who has schizophrenia and is experiencing psychosis. Which of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?

A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. After discussing the treatment with his partner, the client verbally agrees to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) but will not sign the consent form. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?