A nurse is caring for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following defense mechanisms is commonly used by clients who have this disorder and has the potential to create division amongst the healthcare team?
Splitting
Regression
Denial
Reaction formation
The Correct Answer is A
A. Splitting is a defense mechanism in which the client perceives people or situations as all good or all bad, with no middle ground. This can create conflict and division among healthcare team members, as the client may idealize one staff member while devaluing another, potentially disrupting team cohesion and continuity of care.
B. Regression involves reverting to earlier developmental behaviors (e.g., childish or dependent actions) under stress, but it does not typically cause division among staff.
C. Denial is the refusal to acknowledge reality or facts of a situation. While it can affect treatment adherence, it does not usually create interpersonal conflict among caregivers.
D. Reaction formation is the expression of behavior that is opposite to true feelings (e.g., acting overly friendly toward someone the client dislikes). While it may be confusing, it generally does not have the same divisive effect on the healthcare team as splitting.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Blood pressure is a vital sign and is unrelated to schizophrenia symptoms.
B. Lack of motivation (avolition) is a negative symptom of schizophrenia, reflected in the client’s refusal to eat, drink, or participate in therapy.
C. Change in behavior is a general observation and may not specifically indicate negative symptoms.
D. Lack of energy (anergia) is a common negative symptom, demonstrated by slow movements and low activity levels.
E. Withdrawn behavior (social withdrawal or alogia) is another negative symptom, seen in the client’s avoidance of conversation and therapy sessions, as well as flattening of affect.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Splitting is a defense mechanism in which the client perceives people or situations as all good or all bad, with no middle ground. This can create conflict and division among healthcare team members, as the client may idealize one staff member while devaluing another, potentially disrupting team cohesion and continuity of care.
B. Regression involves reverting to earlier developmental behaviors (e.g., childish or dependent actions) under stress, but it does not typically cause division among staff.
C. Denial is the refusal to acknowledge reality or facts of a situation. While it can affect treatment adherence, it does not usually create interpersonal conflict among caregivers.
D. Reaction formation is the expression of behavior that is opposite to true feelings (e.g., acting overly friendly toward someone the client dislikes). While it may be confusing, it generally does not have the same divisive effect on the healthcare team as splitting.
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