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 C
Explanation
The perception of family can vary among individuals, and it is important to respect the client's definition of family. By including people whom the client views as family, the nurse acknowledges the client's preferences and ensures that those who hold significance and provide support in the client's life are present during the interview.
Let's review the other options and explain why they may not be the most appropriate methods:
A. Include people who can support the client adequately: While it is important to involve individuals who can support the client, determining who can provide adequate support should be based on the client's perception and preference. The client's perspective on who can offer support may differ from the nurse's assessment, so it is crucial to involve individuals whom the client identifies as supportive.
B. Include people who live in the same house with the client: Proximity of residence does not necessarily determine the level of support or the client's perception of family. Including only individuals who live with the client may exclude other significant individuals in the client's life who may play a vital role in their support network.
D. Include people who are related to the client by blood and marriage: While blood relatives and family members by marriage can be important sources of support, it is not the sole criterion for inclusion. Clients may have chosen family or close friends who they consider to be their primary support system.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Group therapy is a valuable treatment method in mental health settings that offers several benefits. The statement "It establishes a situation where the client can relate to others and share perceptions" highlights one of the primary advantages of group therapy. In a group therapy setting, individuals with similar mental health issues come together to share their experiences, challenges, and perspectives. This process allows clients to realize that they are not alone in their struggles and fosters a sense of belonging and understanding. It can provide comfort, validation, and support as participants gain insight into their own thoughts and feelings through interactions with others.
Incorrect:
A. "It is economical since one staff member can treat many clients at once." While group therapy can be cost-effective in terms of staff resources, its primary goal is not solely based on economic considerations. The focus is on providing a therapeutic environment that promotes growth, support, and interpersonal learning for participants.
B. "It provides a forum to reinforce client teaching regarding medication administration." Although group therapy sessions may occasionally touch upon topics related to medication management, the main purpose of group therapy is not to provide medication education or reinforcement. Individual counseling or psychoeducation sessions are typically more appropriate for that specific purpose.
D. "It enables clients to see that other individuals have mental health issues." While it is true that group therapy allows individuals to witness the experiences of others with mental health issues, the purpose is not limited to simply observing that others have similar struggles. The primary goal is to create a safe space for participants to actively engage, share, and explore their own experiences in a supportive and therapeutic group setting. The focus is on personal growth, insight, and development.
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