A nurse is caring for a client who has bulimia nervosa.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

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:

Hospice care is typically recommended for clients with a terminal illness who are no longer seeking curative treatment. It may not be suitable for an older adult with early onset dementia unless their condition is very advanced.

Choice B rationale:

Recommending an adult day care facility is appropriate in this situation. Adult day care centers provide a safe and stimulating environment for older adults who require supervision and socialization during the day. It can be a helpful resource for the client's care while the adult child is at work.

Choice C rationale:

Suggesting a community senior center is a good option for social engagement and activities, but it may not provide the level of supervision and care needed for an older adult with dementia, especially if the adult child works full-time.

Choice D rationale:

Recommending a long-term care facility is a more drastic step and is typically considered when a client's care needs cannot be met at home or in less restrictive settings. It may not be necessary for a client with early onset dementia who still has family support.