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 ["D","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Pedal pulses are a measure of peripheral circulation. A 2+ rating is considered normal, indicating a brisk, expected response. There’s no change in the client’s pedal pulses from Day 1 to Day 5, so this doesn’t require immediate follow-up.
Choice B rationale:
Oxygen saturation is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, so we cannot provide a rationale for this choice.
Choice C rationale:
Breath sounds are an important indicator of respiratory health. The client’s breath sounds are clear and present throughout on both Day 1 and Day 5, which is normal and doesn’t require immediate follow-up.
Choice D rationale:
Respiratory rate is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, but any significant change in respiratory rate could indicate a problem such as infection or pain, and would require immediate follow-up.
Choice E rationale:
The abdominal dressing shows a large amount of serosanguinous drainage on Day 5, compared to a small amount on Day 1. This could indicate a complication such as infection or dehiscence (separation of the wound), especially since the client reported feeling something “popped” at the incision site after coughing. This requires immediate follow-up.
Choice F rationale:
Heart rate is not mentioned in the Nurses’ Notes, but any significant change in heart rate could indicate a systemic response to factors such as pain or infection, and would require immediate follow-up. In summary, while pedal pulses and breath sounds remain normal, the change in the abdominal dressing and potential changes in respiratory rate and heart rate (though not documented here) should be addressed immediately to ensure the client’s health and recovery.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Referring the client to a nutritionist is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While nutritionists can provide valuable information on infant feeding, the client's primary concern is the inability to afford baby formula. A case manager is better suited to address the client's financial and social needs.
Choice B rationale:
Referring the client to the primary care provider is not the most appropriate action in this situation. The primary care provider may not have the resources or expertise to address the client's financial and social concerns.
Choice C rationale:
Referring the client to a pediatric nurse practitioner is not the most appropriate action in this situation. While pediatric nurse practitioners can provide healthcare for infants, they may not have the resources to address the client's financial constraints.
Choice D rationale:
Referring the client to a case manager is the most appropriate action in this scenario. A case manager can assess the client's financial situation and connect them with appropriate resources, such as government assistance programs or local charities, to help cover the cost of baby formula. Case managers specialize in coordinating care and addressing social determinants of health.
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