A nurse is collecting data from a child who has pertussis.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is: a. Displacement.

Choice A Reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a less threatening recipient. In the context of bipolar disorder, a client may displace anger or frustration about their condition or treatment onto the nurse, who is not the source of these feelings. This redirection can occur because the client might feel powerless or uncomfortable expressing these emotions towards their healthcare provider, who is the authority figure prescribing medication changes.

Choice B Reason: Splitting is often associated with borderline personality disorder rather than bipolar disorder. It involves viewing things in extremes—either all good or all bad—with no middle ground. While individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit black-and-white thinking, especially during mood episodes, the behavior described does not indicate splitting, as it does not involve idealizing or devaluing the nurse or provider.

Choice C Reason: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, often resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse. For example, a person with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport that channels aggression in a socially acceptable way. The scenario provided does not suggest that the client is channeling their frustrations into a constructive activity.

Choice D Reason: Conversion involves the transfer of mental stress into physical symptoms. This defense mechanism is characteristic of conversion disorder, where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms like blindness, paralysis, or other sensory or motor symptoms without a medical cause. The client yelling at the nurse does not reflect a conversion of emotional distress into physical symptoms.

The correct answer is choice D: "My partner will use condoms with spermicides.”

Choice A rationale:

"My partner and I will use petroleum jelly with latex condoms.” This statement is incorrect because petroleum jelly can degrade latex condoms, making them more likely to break. It’s important to use water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms to maintain their integrity and effectiveness.

Choice B rationale:

"My partner and I will both use a condom during intercourse.” Using two condoms at once, also known as ‘double-bagging’, is not recommended as it can increase the friction between the condoms and lead to breakage. Therefore, this statement does not indicate an understanding of proper condom use.

Choice C rationale:

"I will be able to remove my contraceptive sponge immediately after intercourse.” The contraceptive sponge should be left in place for at least 6 hours after intercourse to ensure effectiveness, but not more than 30 hours in total. Immediate removal does not provide the necessary time for the spermicide in the sponge to deactivate the sperm.

Choice D rationale:

"My partner will use condoms with spermicides.” This statement is correct. Condoms with spermicides provide an additional layer of contraceptive protection by combining the barrier method with a chemical that deactivates sperm. This indicates an understanding of the teaching on effective contraceptive practices.