A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder.
The client yells at the nurse whenever medication changes are prescribed by the client's provider.
The nurse should identify that the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?

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:

Instructing parents to avoid bringing fresh flowers into the room is not the primary intervention for a child with Clostridium difficile. While it is essential to maintain a clean environment, the most critical action is to implement proper infection control measures.

Choice B rationale:

This is the correct answer. Initiating contact precautions is crucial when caring for a child with Clostridium difficile. This includes using gloves and gowns to prevent the spread of the bacteria to others.

Choice C rationale:

Using a HEPA filtration system in the room is not the first-line intervention for managing Clostridium difficile. While it can help maintain air quality, it does not directly address the transmission of the bacteria.

Choice D rationale:

Using an N95 respirator is not the primary action in caring for a child with Clostridium difficile. Contact precautions, such as gloves and gowns, are more critical to prevent the spread of infection.