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?

Choice A rationale: Communicating empathy for the client’s feelings to increase rapport is an important aspect of nursing care. It helps in building a therapeutic relationship with the client, which can facilitate better communication and cooperation during treatment. However, while this is a valuable intervention, it does not take priority over monitoring for adverse effects of refeeding in a client diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who has begun to gain weight.

Choice B rationale: Helping the patient balance energy expenditure and caloric intake is a crucial part of the treatment plan for anorexia nervosa. This intervention aims to ensure that the client is receiving adequate nutrition for their body’s needs without excessive energy expenditure that could hinder weight gain. However, this intervention is not as immediate a priority as monitoring for refeeding syndrome, which can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences.

Choice C rationale: Assessing for adverse effects of refeeding is the priority nursing intervention in this scenario. Refeeding syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when nutritional replenishment is initiated in severely malnourished clients, such as those with anorexia nervosa. It is characterized by metabolic alterations, including hypophosphatemia, hypokalemia, and hypomagnesemia. These alterations can lead to serious complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and neurological complications.

Therefore, early detection and management of refeeding syndrome are crucial.

Choice D rationale: Assessing for depression and anxiety during every shift assessment is an important part of psychiatric nursing care. Many individuals with anorexia nervosa also experience co-morbid psychiatric conditions, such as depression and anxiety disorders. Regular assessment can help detect any changes in the client’s mental status and prompt timely intervention. However, while this is an important aspect of care, it does not take priority over assessing for the adverse effects of refeeding.

Choice A rationale: A client with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) who insists on mopping the floor in the day room does not pose a direct threat to themselves or others. OCD is characterized by obsessions (persistent, intrusive

thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors that the person feels compelled to perform). The act of mopping the floor could be a compulsion for this client. While it may be disruptive or unusual, it is not harmful. Therefore, restraints would not be appropriate in this situation.

Choice B rationale: A client with a personality disorder who tries to manipulate staff to gain privileges can be challenging to manage, but this behavior does not warrant the use of restraints. Personality disorders are characterized by enduring patterns of behavior, cognition, and inner experience that deviate from the expectations of the individual’s culture. These patterns are inflexible and pervasive across many personal and social situations.

While manipulation can be frustrating for staff, it is not a danger to the client or others, and other interventions should be used to manage this behavior.

Choice C rationale: A client with Bulimia Nervosa who refuses to come to the dining room for meals is exhibiting behavior related to their eating disorder, but this does not justify the use of restraints. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. Refusal to eat in a communal setting like a dining room is not uncommon for individuals with eating disorders. This behavior should be addressed through therapeutic interventions, not restraints.

Choice D rationale: A client who is just recovering from a benzodiazepine overdose is the correct answer. Restraints are contraindicated for this client because they could cause physical harm. After a benzodiazepine overdose, the client may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired coordination. Restraints could increase the risk of injury, particularly if the client becomes agitated or tries to remove them. In addition, restraints could potentially interfere with medical treatment for the overdose.