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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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The response "I will assist you in getting out of bed and getting dressed" demonstrates a supportive and therapeutic approach. It acknowledges the client's current state and offers assistance to engage in self-care activities. By providing support and actively participating in the client's care, the nurse can promote motivation, engagement, and a sense of empowerment.
The response "You can remain in bed until you feel well enough to join the milieu" may enable the client's depressive behaviors and reinforce the avoidance of activities. It does not encourage participation or provide support for the client to engage in therapeutic activities.
The response "The unit rules state that clients may not remain in bed" focuses on enforcing rules rather than addressing the client's underlying emotional state and needs. It may increase resistance and hinder the therapeutic relationship.
The response "If you don't participate in your care, you will not get better" may be perceived as blaming or judgmental. It may increase the client's guilt or sense of failure and does not provide practical support or encouragement.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A situational crisis is a type of crisis that occurs in response to a specific event or situation that disrupts a person's usual coping mechanisms. In this case, the sudden death of the client's partner has caused significant distress and an inability to cope with work and family responsibilities. The client's feelings of paralysis and inability to function indicate a response to the specific situation they are facing.
Incorrect:
B- Developmental crisis refers to crises that arise during normal stages of growth and development, such as adolescence or midlife crisis.
C- A maturational crisis involves a crisis that occurs as a result of the normal process of aging and the associated challenges and changes that come with it.
D- Adventitious crisis refers to crises that arise from unpredictable, uncommon events that are out of the ordinary, such as natural disasters or accidents.
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