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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?

Displacement.

Rationalization.

Denial.

Compensation.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

The correct answer is Choice A, displacement.

Rationale for Choice A, displacement:

Definition of displacement: Displacement is a defense mechanism in which a person redirects their emotions or impulses from the original target to a less threatening one. It's a way of coping with anxiety or frustration by channeling those feelings onto a safer object or person.
Evidence in the scenario: The client is angry with his partner, but instead of expressing that anger directly to her, he redirects it towards the nurse. This suggests that he finds it safer to express his anger towards the nurse, who is less likely to retaliate or reject him, than towards his partner.

Rationale for other choices:

Choice B, rationalization: Rationalization involves justifying one's actions or thoughts with excuses or explanations that make them seem more acceptable. There's no evidence in the scenario that the client is trying to justify his anger or provide excuses for it.
Choice C, denial: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge or accept a painful reality. The client isn't denying his anger; he's openly expressing it. However, he's directing it towards the nurse instead of his partner.
Choice D, compensation: Compensation involves trying to make up for a perceived weakness or inadequacy by emphasizing a different strength or ability. There's no indication in the scenario that the client is trying to compensate for anything.

Further considerations:

It's important to note that defense mechanisms are often unconscious, meaning the person using them isn't aware of what they're doing. This can make them difficult to identify and address.
In this case, the nurse could try to help the client become more aware of his anger and how he's expressing it. They could also encourage him to explore healthier ways of coping with his feelings, such as talking to his partner directly or seeking professional help.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The correct answer is c. Reacting to the nurse as though she were his mother.

Choice A rationale:

Refusing to participate in group activities can be a sign of social anxiety,withdrawal,or other mental health issues,but it's not specifically indicative of transference.
Individuals with personality disorders may withdraw from social interactions for various reasons,such as fear of rejection,discomfort in social settings,or a preference for isolation.
While refusal to participate in group activities could be a manifestation of transference in some cases,it's not the most typical or defining characteristic.

Choice B rationale:

Talking negatively about other staff members can occur due to dissatisfaction with treatment,personality traits,or interpersonal conflicts.
It's not directly related to transference,which involves projecting feelings and expectations from past relationships onto current ones.
While individuals with personality disorders may engage in negative talk about others,this behavior doesn't necessarily stem from transference.

Choice C rationale:

Reacting to the nurse as though she were his mother is a classic example of transference.
In this case,the client is unconsciously transferring feelings,thoughts,and behaviors associated with his mother onto the nurse.
This can manifest in various ways,such as seeking excessive attention or reassurance from the nurse,becoming overly dependent on her,or reacting with anger or hostility if she doesn't meet his expectations.
This behavior is a key indicator that the client is using transference as a coping mechanism.

Choice D rationale:

Expressing frustration regarding unit rules can be a sign of difficulty with authority or adjusting to the structure of a treatment setting.
It's not inherently a sign of transference,as it doesn't involve projecting feelings from past relationships onto the current one.
Individuals with personality disorders may struggle with rules and authority,but this behavior is not a direct manifestation of transference.

A. The client relocates from a house to an apartment. B. The client is unable to perform basic hygiene tasks. C. The client gives away some of the partner's belongings. D. The client expresses feelings of guilt.

Correct Answer is B

No explanation

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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 caring for a client who has a personality disorder and is using transference to cope. Which of the following behaviors should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A home health nurse visits a client who lost their partner 2 years ago. Which of the following behaviors by the client indicates a maladaptive grief response?

Correct Answer is B

A charge nurse is discussing the care of a client who has a substance use disorder with a staff nurse. Which of the following statements by the staff nurse should the charge nurse identify as countertransference?

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A nurse is assessing a client who recently experienced the loss of their partner. Which of the following questions is the priority for the nurse to ask during this situational crisis?

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A nurse is providing behavioral therapy for a client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. The client repeatedly checks that the doors are locked at night. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client when using thought-stopping technique?

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