A nurse is caring for an adolescent on an inpatient mental health unit who is undergoing detoxification for a substance use disorder. He tells the nurse that he first began using illicit drugs when his parents wouldn't allow him to get a tattoo. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?
Suppression
Intellectualization
Dissociation
Projection
The Correct Answer is D
Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this case, the client is attributing the cause of their drug use to their parents not allowing them to get a tattoo. By projecting their desire for a tattoo onto their parents' decision, the client is displacing their own feelings onto an external factor.
Incorrect:
A. Suppression: Suppression involves consciously pushing away or blocking unwanted thoughts, feelings, or impulses. The client's statement does not indicate an attempt to suppress any thoughts or emotions related to their drug use; instead, they are openly discussing the reason for their substance use.
B. Intellectualization: Intellectualization involves using excessive reasoning or logic to avoid acknowledging or experiencing associated emotions. The client's statement does not reflect intellectualization, as they are not overly relying on intellectual processes or attempting to detach themselves from the emotional aspects of their behavior.
C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a temporary disconnection from thoughts, feelings, or memories to avoid emotional distress. The client's statement does not demonstrate dissociation, as they are connecting their drug use to a specific event and cause.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This response is an appropriate nursing response in this situation. It acknowledges the client's need for assistance with grocery shopping while also recognizing that shopping and personal errands are not within the nurse's job description. By suggesting to explore other resources, the nurse can help the client find alternative solutions to meet their needs. This response demonstrates a willingness to support the client and collaborate on finding appropriate assistance, while also maintaining professional boundaries and responsibilities.
A. "I won't be able to shop for you today because I have to get home to my family." This response is inappropriate because it focuses on the nurse's personal circumstances and may come across as dismissive of the client's request for help. It does not address the client's needs or offer any alternative solutions.
B. "What I think you should do is wait for the days when you feel better and do your grocery shopping then." This response is dismissive of the client's current situation and does not offer any practical assistance or support. It implies that the client should simply wait for their condition to improve without addressing their immediate needs.
D. "I would be happy to do whatever I can to help you." While this response may initially seem supportive, it is inappropriate because shopping and performing personal errands for the client are not within the nurse's job description. It is important for the nurse to establish professional boundaries and adhere to the responsibilities outlined in their job description.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Answer: (D) Suppression
Rationale:
A) Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disconnection from reality or the separation of thoughts, memories, or identity from conscious awareness. In this scenario, the client is not displaying any signs of disconnecting from reality or avoiding awareness of the situation through dissociation, making this defense mechanism unlikely.
B) Projection: Projection occurs when an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. The client in this situation is not blaming others or attributing their actions to someone else, so projection is not the defense mechanism being demonstrated here.
C) Intellectualization: Intellectualization involves using reasoning or logic to avoid emotional stress or anxiety. While the client does mention logical-sounding plans about things working out next week, their overall response does not primarily reflect an avoidance of emotion through reasoning, so intellectualization is not the correct choice.
D) Suppression: Suppression is the conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need in order to cope with the present situation. The client acknowledges the stress of being fired but chooses to push aside their distress by stating that "everything will work out somehow next week," indicating they are consciously choosing to set aside their anxiety for the time being. This aligns with the concept of suppression.
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