A nurse is caring for a client who has autism spectrum disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A. Repression: Repression involves unconsciously pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious awareness. It involves burying distressing emotions or memories deep in the unconscious mind to avoid dealing with them consciously. In this scenario, the client's behavior does not suggest the repression of any specific thoughts or memories but rather a coping mechanism related to their current stress and anxiety.

B. Introjection: Introjection occurs when an individual internalizes the values, beliefs, or attitudes of others as if they were their own. It involves incorporating external standards or influences into one's own identity. While introjection may contribute to the client's behavior indirectly by influencing their beliefs about needing external support, the primary defense mechanism at play in this scenario is regression.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disruption in the integration of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. It often manifests as a detachment from reality or a sense of being disconnected from oneself or the surrounding environment. While dissociation may occur in response to severe stress or trauma, it typically involves more extreme symptoms than those described by the client in this scenario.

D. Regression: Regression involves reverting to earlier, less mature behaviors or stages of development in response to stress or anxiety. It reflects a retreat to a more comfortable or familiar state in an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. In this scenario, the client's statement about needing someone to take care of them suggests a desire to return to a state of dependency, which is characteristic of regression as a defense mechanism.

A. Reprimand the client about the potential damage that has occurred due to overexercising her body: Reprimanding the client is not a therapeutic approach and may worsen the client's feelings of guilt or shame. It's essential to approach clients with eating disorders with empathy and understanding rather than criticism.

B. Ask the client to agree to talk to a nurse whenever she feels the urge to exercise: Encouraging the client to communicate with a nurse when she feels the urge to exercise is a supportive intervention. This allows the nurse to provide assistance, encouragement, or distraction techniques to help the client cope with the urge in a healthier way.

C. Praise the client for looking at herself in a mirror: Praising the client for looking at herself in a mirror may inadvertently reinforce body image concerns or obsessive behaviors related to appearance. Instead of focusing on the client's appearance, it's important to encourage behaviors and thoughts that promote self-acceptance and body positivity.

D. Restrict the client from being weighed: Restricting the client from being weighed may exacerbate anxiety and control issues related to weight. It's essential to monitor the client's weight as part of their overall health assessment and treatment plan. However, discussions about weight should be conducted sensitively and in collaboration with the client, focusing on health rather than numbers.