A nurse is caring for a client who has AIDS.
Which of the following solutions should the nurse use to disinfect the client's overbed table following a blood spill?

The correct answer is: a. Displacement.

Choice A Reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a less threatening recipient. In the context of bipolar disorder, a client may displace anger or frustration about their condition or treatment onto the nurse, who is not the source of these feelings. This redirection can occur because the client might feel powerless or uncomfortable expressing these emotions towards their healthcare provider, who is the authority figure prescribing medication changes.

Choice B Reason: Splitting is often associated with borderline personality disorder rather than bipolar disorder. It involves viewing things in extremes—either all good or all bad—with no middle ground. While individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit black-and-white thinking, especially during mood episodes, the behavior described does not indicate splitting, as it does not involve idealizing or devaluing the nurse or provider.

Choice C Reason: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, often resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse. For example, a person with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport that channels aggression in a socially acceptable way. The scenario provided does not suggest that the client is channeling their frustrations into a constructive activity.

Choice D Reason: Conversion involves the transfer of mental stress into physical symptoms. This defense mechanism is characteristic of conversion disorder, where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms like blindness, paralysis, or other sensory or motor symptoms without a medical cause. The client yelling at the nurse does not reflect a conversion of emotional distress into physical symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

"Determine the client's ability to use the call light." - This is the correct answer. Assessing the client's ability to use the call light is the first step in fall prevention. If the client can effectively use the call light, they can request assistance when needed, reducing the risk of falls. It's essential to assess their communication and mobility abilities.

Choice B rationale:

"Create a schedule with an assistive personnel to do hourly rounding for the client." - While hourly rounding is a valuable fall prevention strategy, assessing the client's ability to use the call light should be the initial step to ensure immediate access to help. Rounding can complement this measure.

Choice C rationale:

"Move the bedside table with the client's personal items close to the bed." - While ensuring the client's personal items are within reach is important for their comfort and convenience, it is not the first step in fall prevention. Assessing the client's ability to request assistance takes precedence.

Choice D rationale:

"Apply rubber-soled slippers before ambulation." - Providing appropriate footwear is important for fall prevention, but it is not the first precaution to implement. Assessing the client's ability to use the call light and communicate their needs comes before addressing ambulation.