A nurse is counseling a client for the management of anxiety. The client is consistently late for appointments and ignores household chores. The client states, "I'm just too stressed. I need someone to take care of me." The nurse identifies this behavior as an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Repression

Introjection

Dissociation

Regression

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Repression: Repression involves unconsciously pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious awareness. It involves burying distressing emotions or memories deep in the unconscious mind to avoid dealing with them consciously. In this scenario, the client's behavior does not suggest the repression of any specific thoughts or memories but rather a coping mechanism related to their current stress and anxiety.

B. Introjection: Introjection occurs when an individual internalizes the values, beliefs, or attitudes of others as if they were their own. It involves incorporating external standards or influences into one's own identity. While introjection may contribute to the client's behavior indirectly by influencing their beliefs about needing external support, the primary defense mechanism at play in this scenario is regression.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disruption in the integration of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. It often manifests as a detachment from reality or a sense of being disconnected from oneself or the surrounding environment. While dissociation may occur in response to severe stress or trauma, it typically involves more extreme symptoms than those described by the client in this scenario.

D. Regression: Regression involves reverting to earlier, less mature behaviors or stages of development in response to stress or anxiety. It reflects a retreat to a more comfortable or familiar state in an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. In this scenario, the client's statement about needing someone to take care of them suggests a desire to return to a state of dependency, which is characteristic of regression as a defense mechanism.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Restrain the child physically: Physically restraining a toddler during a temper tantrum can escalate the situation and may lead to the child feeling scared or more frustrated. It's important to avoid physical force as it can be traumatic for the child and potentially harmful.

B. Ignore the temper tantrums: Ignoring temper tantrums might work in some situations, but it's not always the most effective strategy. Toddlers often tantrum to seek attention or express frustration, and ignoring them entirely may not address the underlying issue. Additionally, consistent ignoring can lead to feelings of abandonment or exacerbate the behavior.

C. Distract the child by offering to play a game: Distraction can be an effective technique for managing temper tantrums in toddlers. Offering to engage the child in a fun activity or game can redirect their focus away from the source of frustration, helping to de-escalate the situation and promote positive behavior.

D. Tell the child that temper tantrums are not acceptable: While it's important to set boundaries and teach appropriate behavior, telling a toddler that temper tantrums are not acceptable may not effectively address the immediate situation. Toddlers may not fully understand or be able to control their emotions, so simply telling them that tantrums are unacceptable without providing alternative coping strategies is unlikely to be effective.

A. Undoing B. Projection C. Regression D. Conversion

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Undoing: Undoing is a defense mechanism characterized by attempting to reverse or negate a previous action or experience through symbolic acts or behaviors. This involves expressing remorse or attempting to make up for perceived wrongdoings. The student's behavior of berating the teacher and the course does not align with undoing.

B. Projection: Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes their unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto others. In this scenario, the student is projecting their feelings of failure onto the teacher and the course, blaming them for the failed examination instead of taking personal responsibility.

C. Regression: Regression involves reverting to earlier, more childlike behaviors or stages of development in response to stress or conflict. While the student's behavior may involve emotional distress related to the failed examination, the act of berating the teacher and the course is not indicative of regression.

D. Conversion: Conversion involves the expression of psychological stress or emotional conflict through physical symptoms or complaints without a physiological basis. The student's behavior of berating others does not fit the pattern of conversion.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A parent of a toddler asks a nurse at a well-child visit how the child's frequent temper tantrums can best be handled. Which of the following actions should the nurse suggest to the parent?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse at a college campus mental health counseling center is caring for a student who just failed an examination. The student spends the session berating the teacher and the course. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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