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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Spinning a toy repetitively: Repetitive behaviors, such as spinning objects or repetitive movements, are common in children with ASD. These behaviors often serve as self-stimulatory or soothing activities and may be used as a way to cope with sensory stimulation or to seek sensory input.
B. Consistent limit testing: While limit testing can occur in children with ASD, it is not a specific hallmark of the disorder. Limit testing is more commonly associated with typical developmental behavior or oppositional defiant disorder rather than ASD.
C. Ritualistic behavior: Children with ASD often engage in ritualistic or repetitive behaviors, such as adhering to strict routines or rituals, having specific preferences for how objects are arranged, or engaging in repetitive movements or actions. These behaviors can provide a sense of predictability and control in their environment.
D. Short attention span: Many children with ASD have difficulty sustaining attention and may exhibit a short attention span, particularly in tasks that do not align with their specific interests or preferences. However, attention span can vary widely among children with ASD, and some may have exceptional focus on particular activities or topics of interest.
E. Delayed language development: Delayed language development is a common characteristic of ASD. Some children with ASD may experience delays in acquiring spoken language skills, exhibit echolalia (repetition of words or phrases), or have difficulty with expressive and receptive language. However, it's important to note that language development can vary significantly among individuals with ASD, and some may have average or even advanced language skills.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Monitor the client closely to prevent self-mutilation: This action is not typically associated with dependent personality disorder. Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors, rather than self-mutilation.
B. Give positive feedback when the client is assertive with staff or clients: While it is important to encourage and reinforce assertive behaviors, giving positive feedback alone may not be sufficient to address the underlying issues associated with dependent personality disorder. It's essential to provide comprehensive care that addresses the client's dependency needs and promotes healthy assertiveness.
C. Set limits to prevent exploitation of other clients: Clients with dependent personality disorder may exhibit behaviors that involve relying excessively on others and seeking caretaking from them. Setting limits helps prevent these clients from exploiting or overly burdening others with their needs, promoting boundaries and accountability within the therapeutic environment.
D. Discourage flamboyant or seductive behaviors: Flamboyant or seductive behaviors are not typical characteristics of dependent personality disorder. These behaviors are more commonly associated with other personality disorders, such as histrionic or borderline personality disorder. In dependent personality disorder, the focus is more on an excessive need for support and reassurance rather than attention-seeking behaviors.
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