A nurse is caring for a client who reports that he is angry with his partner because she thinks he is just trying to gain attention. When the nurse attempts to talk to the client, he becomes angry and tells her to leave. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?

Denial

Compensation

Rationalization

Displacement

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Denial:
Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person refuses to accept reality or acknowledge the existence of something that is evident to others. For example, a person diagnosed with a serious illness might deny that they are ill or refuse to believe the diagnosis. In this scenario, the client is not denying a reality; he is expressing anger and directing it toward the nurse.

B. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual overachieves in one area to compensate for real or imagined deficiencies in another area. For instance, someone who feels intellectually inferior might excel in sports to compensate for their perceived inadequacy. This is not applicable to the client's situation in the scenario provided.

C. Rationalization:
Rationalization involves providing logical or reasonable explanations to justify behaviors or feelings that might otherwise be unacceptable. For instance, a person might rationalize a failure by blaming external factors rather than accepting personal responsibility. In the scenario, the client is not offering rationalizations but is expressing direct anger.

D. Displacement:
Displacement occurs when emotions, especially anger or frustration, are redirected from the original source to a less threatening target. For example, a person who is angry with their boss might come home and take out their frustration on their family members. In the given situation, the client is displacing his anger from his partner onto the nurse, asking her to leave, making displacement the most appropriate choice.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Monitor the client's sodium levels:
This action is not directly related to the administration of olanzapine. Olanzapine does not typically affect sodium levels directly. Monitoring sodium levels is essential for some other medications or conditions, but it is not a specific consideration for olanzapine administration.

B. Evaluate the client's frequency of panic attacks:
Evaluating the frequency of panic attacks is not directly related to the administration of olanzapine. Olanzapine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is not primarily indicated for the treatment of panic attacks. Monitoring panic attacks would be relevant if the client's primary concern was panic disorder, but it's not the priority in this scenario.

C. Inform the client that application site rash is common:
This information is not relevant to the administration of olanzapine in the form of an intramuscular injection. Application site rash is a concern for topical medications or transdermal patches, not for IM injections. Therefore, informing the client about application site rash is not necessary in this context.

D. Observe the client for 3 hours following the administration of medication:
This is the correct action. Olanzapine extended-release IM injection requires close observation for at least 3 hours after administration. This monitoring period is essential due to the potential risk of post-injection delirium/sedation syndrome, which can occur shortly after the injection. Monitoring allows for the early detection of any adverse reactions, ensuring the client's safety and well-being.

A. Implement measures to prevent intentional self-inflicted injury. B. Discuss the appropriate use of assertive behavior with the client. C. Encourage the client to attend weekly support group meetings. D. Assist the client to maintain awareness of her thoughts and feelings.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Implement measures to prevent intentional self-inflicted injury:
This choice is the priority. Individuals with borderline personality disorder are at an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal behaviors. Implementing measures to prevent intentional self-inflicted injury, such as close monitoring, removing potentially harmful objects, and creating a safe environment, is crucial to ensuring the client's safety and well-being.

B. Discuss the appropriate use of assertive behavior with the client:
Teaching assertive behavior is an important aspect of therapy for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Learning to express emotions and needs in a healthy, assertive manner can improve their interpersonal skills and relationships. However, this choice is secondary to ensuring the client's safety. Safety concerns need to be addressed before moving on to other therapeutic interventions.

C. Encourage the client to attend weekly support group meetings:
Support group meetings can provide valuable social support and a sense of belonging for individuals with borderline personality disorder. Being part of a supportive community can offer understanding and coping strategies. While this is a beneficial intervention, it is not the priority. Safety concerns and addressing self-harm risk take precedence.

D. Assist the client to maintain awareness of her thoughts and feelings:
Developing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills is essential in managing borderline personality disorder. Techniques such as mindfulness and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. While important for long-term management, this intervention is not the priority when immediate safety concerns are present. Safety should always be the first focus of care.

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A nurse is caring for a client who reports that he is angry with his partner because she thinks he is just trying to gain attention. When the nurse attempts to talk to the client, he becomes angry and tells her to leave. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to administer olanzapine extended release 210 mg IM to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is planning overall strategies to address problems for a client who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the following strategies is the priority for the nurse to incorporate in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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