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?
Displacement.
Splitting.
Sublimation.
Conversion.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
"This medication can increase your risk for sunburn." Ciprofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, can increase the risk of sunburn and photosensitivity reactions. Patients taking this medication should be advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid excessive sun exposure to prevent sunburn.
Choice B rationale:
"Take an antacid if the medication causes gastrointestinal upset." Ciprofloxacin should not be taken with antacids or other products containing calcium, magnesium, aluminum, or iron, as these can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, advising the patient to take an antacid with ciprofloxacin is incorrect.
Choice C rationale:
"Restrict your daily fluid intake while taking this medication." There is no need to restrict fluid intake while taking ciprofloxacin. In fact, it is important for patients to stay well-hydrated to prevent potential side effects like crystalluria. Adequate fluid intake helps dilute the urine and reduce the risk of crystal formation.
Choice D rationale:
"Expect to experience diarrhea while taking this medication." Diarrhea can be a side effect of ciprofloxacin, but it is not something patients should necessarily expect. While gastrointestinal upset is a known side effect, not everyone who takes the medication will experience diarrhea. Patients should be advised to report any severe or persistent diarrhea to their healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Sarcoptes scabiei is the causative agent of scabies, a contagious skin infestation. While scabies is a communicable disease, it is typically not a reportable disease to the state health department. Scabies is usually treated at the individual or community level, and reporting to the state health department is not required.
Choice B rationale:
Neisseria gonorrhoeae is the bacterium responsible for gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection. Gonorrhea is a notifiable disease, and healthcare providers are required to report cases of gonorrhea to the state health department. This is because gonorrhea is a significant public health concern due to its potential complications and the need for contact tracing and prevention.
Choice C rationale:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection, but it is typically not a reportable disease to the state health department. HPV can lead to various health issues, including genital warts and certain types of cancer. However, reporting HPV cases is not a standard practice because it is highly prevalent and usually managed at the individual level through screening and vaccination programs.
Choice D rationale:
Impetigo contagiosa is a bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. While it is contagious, impetigo is not typically a reportable disease to the state health department. Like scabies, impetigo is usually managed at the individual or community level, and reporting is not a standard requirement.
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