A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I am under a great deal of stress at work, but I am able to forget my work and concentrate on my family when I get home at night." The nurse should identify that the client is demonstrating which of the following defense mechanisms?
Repression
Compartmentalization
Regression
Projection
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason : Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant feelings, desires, or experiences from one's awareness. It is a way for the ego to protect itself from things that the individual cannot cope with at the moment. In the scenario provided, the client does not seem to be unconsciously blocking out the stress but is instead consciously choosing to focus on different aspects of their life at different times.
Choice B reason : Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism where an individual separates different aspects of their life, allowing them to handle conflicting values or emotions by keeping these aspects in separate 'compartments' in their mind. This seems to be what the client is doing by separating work stress from family life, thus being able to concentrate on family when at home despite the stress at work.
Choice C reason : Regression is a defense mechanism that leads an individual to revert to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. An example would be an adult throwing a tantrum when they don't get their way, which is not what the client is demonstrating in the scenario⁴.
Choice D reason : Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. For instance, someone who is angry at their colleague may accuse the colleague of being hostile towards them. The client's statement does not indicate that they are projecting their feelings onto others⁵.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason : Going to bed at the same time every night, even when not feeling tired, can help regulate the body's clock and aid in falling asleep at a regular time. However, lying in bed awake can lead to frustration and should be avoided. If sleep does not come within 20 minutes, it's recommended to get up and do something relaxing until feeling sleepy.
Choice B reason : Exercising can increase alertness and endorphin levels which can make it difficult to fall asleep if done too close to bedtime. Stopping exercise at least 2 hours before bedtime allows the body to wind down and prepare for sleep, making this statement correct and indicative of an understanding of good sleep hygiene practices.
Choice C reason : Watching television or engaging in other stimulating activities in the bedroom can associate the space with wakefulness rather than sleep. The light from screens can also suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Therefore, this statement does not reflect an understanding of the teaching on good sleep practices.
Choice D reason : Taking long naps, especially in the late afternoon or evening, can interfere with nighttime sleep. If naps are necessary, they should be limited to 20-30 minutes and taken earlier in the day. This statement suggests a misunderstanding of the impact of napping on sleep quality at night.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason : Drinking caffeinated beverages in the evening.Caffeine is a stimulant that can significantly disrupt the sleep-wake cycle. Consuming caffeinated beverages in the evening can lead to difficulty initiating sleep because caffeine blocks the action of adenosine, a chemical that promotes sleep. The effects of caffeine can last several hours, thus affecting the quality and duration of sleep.
Choice B reason : Emotional stress activates the body's stress response, causing the release of hormones like cortisol, which increases alertness and can delay the onset of sleep. Chronic stress can lead to a hyperarousal state, making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Choice C reason : Bright light.Exposure to bright light, especially blue light from screens, can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals the body to prepare for sleep. This can shift the circadian rhythm and disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, making it harder to fall asleep at the usual time.
Choice D reason : A short nap during the day, typically 20-30 minutes, can be beneficial and usually does not interfere with nighttime sleep. However, longer or later naps can make it more difficult to fall asleep at night.
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