A nurse is caring for a client who smokes and has lung cancer. The client reports, “I'm coughing because I have that cold that everyone has been getting.”
The nurse should identify that the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?
Denial
Reaction formation
Sublimation
Suppression
The Correct Answer is A
Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept or acknowledge the existence of a problem or a reality that causes anxiety or distress. In this scenario, the client is denying that their coughing is related to their lung cancer, and instead attributing it to a common cold that everyone is getting. This denial may be a way for the client to avoid facing the reality of their illness and the potential consequences of smoking.
Option b, reaction formation, is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings to reduce anxiety.
Option c, sublimation, is a defense mechanism where an individual channels their unacceptable impulses into more acceptable or socially appropriate behaviors.
Option d, suppression, is a defense mechanism where an individual consciously pushes down or avoids their thoughts or feelings. None of these defense mechanisms are being exhibited in the scenario described.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness associated with an increased risk of suicide. Individuals with schizophrenia are at a higher risk of suicide due to the presence of symptoms such as depression, hopelessness, and social isolation. Unemployment is also a risk factor for suicide as it can contribute to financial and social stress.
The other options do have some risk factors, but not as high as the individual in option c. Alcohol use and being independent-minded are not necessarily significant risk factors for suicide, and being active in church can be a protective factor. While depression is a significant risk factor for suicide, it is not the only factor, and having two best friends may be a protective factor. Diabetes, in and of itself, is not a risk factor for suicide.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The child is striving for independence.” The behaviors described by the parent are typical for a child who is 26 months old. At this age, children are beginning to develop a sense of autonomy and independence, and they may resist direction and assert their own will. Toilet training can also be a challenging process for both children and parents, and it is not uncommon for children to resist or refuse toilet training at first.
Option a. “The child needs more control. You have been weak” is not a helpful response because it places blame on the parent and does not provide any useful information or guidance.
Option b. “Some undesirable attitudes are developing currently. A child psychologist can help you develop a remedial plan” may be an appropriate response if the child’s behaviors were significantly outside the norm for their age or if they were causing significant distress or disruption. However, based on the information provided by the parent, this does not appear to be the case.
Option d. “There may be developmental problems. Most children are toilet trained by age 2 years and a half” is not a helpful response because it may cause unnecessary worry or concern for the parent. While many children are toilet trained by age 2 and a half, there is a wide range of normal variation in when children achieve this milestone.
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