A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder. The client yells at the nurse whenevermedication changes are prescribed by the client's provider.

The nurse should identify that theclient is using which of the following defense mechanisms?

Explanation:

Displacement is a defense mechanism in which an individual redirect their emotions or impulses from their original target to a less threatening or safer target. In this scenario, the client yells at the nurse when medication changes are prescribed by the provider. The client may be feeling angry or frustrated about the medication changes but is unable to express those emotions directly towards the provider. Instead, the client displaces those feelings onto the nurse, who may be seen as a safer or more accessible target. The yelling behavior directed at the nurse is a way for the client to release and express their emotions indirectly.

Let's briefly discuss the other defense mechanisms mentioned:

A- Conversion: Conversion involves the expression of psychological distress or conflict through physical symptoms or ailments. It is not applicable in this scenario since the client's behavior does not involve physical symptoms.

B- Splitting: Splitting is a defense mechanism characterized by a black-and-white thinking pattern, where individuals perceive others or situations as all good or all bad. It does not directly apply in this scenario as the client's behavior is not indicative of splitting.

D- Sublimation: Sublimation is a defense mechanism in which an individual channel their unacceptable or potentially harmful impulses into socially acceptable outlets, such as creative or productive activities. It is not evident in this scenario as the client's behavior does not involve transforming the emotions into a more positive or socially acceptable form.