A nurse is collecting data on a client who reports feeling stress and anxiety. The client appears restless and is pacing. The client is alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Which of the following findings is subjective?

Choice A reason : Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant feelings, desires, or experiences from one's awareness. It is a way for the ego to protect itself from things that the individual cannot cope with at the moment. In the scenario provided, the client does not seem to be unconsciously blocking out the stress but is instead consciously choosing to focus on different aspects of their life at different times.

Choice B reason : Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism where an individual separates different aspects of their life, allowing them to handle conflicting values or emotions by keeping these aspects in separate 'compartments' in their mind. This seems to be what the client is doing by separating work stress from family life, thus being able to concentrate on family when at home despite the stress at work.

Choice C reason : Regression is a defense mechanism that leads an individual to revert to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. An example would be an adult throwing a tantrum when they don't get their way, which is not what the client is demonstrating in the scenario⁴.

Choice D reason : Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. For instance, someone who is angry at their colleague may accuse the colleague of being hostile towards them. The client's statement does not indicate that they are projecting their feelings onto others⁵.

Choice A reason : Trust vs. Mistrust.The stage of Trust vs. Mistrust is the first stage of Erikson's theory of psychosocial development, occurring from birth to approximately 18 months of age. In this stage, the infant is uncertain about the world and looks towards their primary caregiver for stability and consistency of care. If the caregiver is reliable, consistent, and nurturing, the child will develop a sense of trust, believing that the world is safe and that people are dependable and affectionate. This sense of trust allows the child to feel secure even when threatened and extends into their other relationships, maintaining their sense of security amidst potential threats.

Choice B reason : Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt.The stage of Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt is the second stage of Erikson's theory, spanning the toddler years from 18 months to three years. In this stage, toddlers begin to assert their independence by making choices and taking control over their actions. Success in this stage leads to feelings of autonomy, while failure results in feelings of shame and doubt. However, this stage is not applicable to the scenario described, as it involves an infant, not a toddler.

Choice C reason : Identity vs. Role Confusion.Identity vs. Role Confusion is the fifth stage, occurring during the teen years from 12 to 18. This stage is characterized by the exploration of personal identity and the development of a sense of self. The scenario provided does not pertain to an adolescent, so this stage is not relevant to the infant's experience.

Choice D reason : Integrity vs. Despair.The stage of Integrity vs. Despair is the eighth and final stage of Erikson's theory, occurring in older adulthood from 65 to death. This stage involves reflecting on one's life and either concluding it with a sense of integrity and fulfillment or with a sense of despair over a life misspent. This stage is not applicable to the infant described in the scenario.