A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?

The correct answer is: b. “Tighten your muscles before relaxing them when using muscle relaxation techniques.”

Rationale for Choice B: Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is a well-established technique used in stress management and relaxation therapy. It involves systematically tensing and then relaxing specific muscle groups throughout the body. By tensing the muscles first, individuals can become more aware of the contrast between tension and relaxation, thereby enhancing the relaxation response. This heightened awareness helps individuals recognize and release muscular tension more effectively, leading to deeper relaxation and stress relief.

Rationale for Choice A: Choice A suggests talking to someone admired as the first step in using mindfulness techniques to relax. However, mindfulness practices typically involve cultivating awareness of the present moment without judgment. While seeking support from others may be beneficial for stress management, it is not a foundational aspect of mindfulness practice. Mindfulness often entails individual introspection and observation of one's thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations.

Rationale for Choice C: Choice C recommends breathing in through the mouth and out through the nose during deep breathing exercises. While there are various breathing techniques utilized in stress management, the typical recommendation for deep breathing exercises is to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Nasal breathing helps regulate the flow of air, optimizes oxygen exchange, and activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.

Rationale for Choice D: Choice D proposes imagining a stimulating situation when practicing guided imagery. However, guided imagery is a relaxation technique that involves creating vivid mental images of calming and tranquil scenes, such as a serene beach or peaceful forest. The purpose of guided imagery is to evoke positive emotions, reduce stress, and induce a state of deep relaxation. Imagining stimulating situations may have the opposite effect, potentially increasing arousal and tension rather than promoting relaxation.

In summary, while all choices may have some relevance to stress management, Choice B is the most appropriate as it aligns with the established technique of Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Choices A, C, and D deviate from widely recognized relaxation methods and are therefore considered incorrect in this context.

Choice A rationale:

"Since I retired, I have entered many gardening competitions." This statement indicates compensation as a defense mechanism. Compensation involves emphasizing personal strengths in one area to shift focus from failure or weakness in another. In this case, the client is finding fulfillment and recognition in gardening competitions after retiring, compensating for the loss of work-related identity.

Choice B rationale:

Expressing relief about retirement due to negative work experiences doesn’t necessarily indicate compensation. It could be a coping mechanism, but it doesn't align with the compensation defense mechanism, which involves overachieving in one area to compensate for deficiencies in another.

Choice C rationale:

Choice D rationale:

Journaling about career accomplishments after layoffs indicates sublimation, not compensation. Sublimation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses or behaviors are transformed into socially acceptable actions or pursuits, like channeling frustration or disappointment into creative or productive activities such as journaling.