A nurse is educating a client about possible causes of their depressed mood. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A rationale:

Evaluating the infant’s pain level using the FACES Scale is not appropriate for infants. The FACES Scale is typically used for children aged 3 years and older.

Choice B rationale:

Offering the infant small, frequent feedings of thickened liquids is not recommended in this scenario. The infant is on NPO (nothing by mouth) status due to the forceful vomiting and risk of aspiration.

Choice C rationale:

Measuring the infant’s head circumference is important to assess for any signs of increased intracranial pressure or hydrocephalus, which can be associated with vomiting.

Choice D rationale:

Implementing contact precautions is not necessary unless there is a known or suspected infectious cause for the vomiting.

Choice E rationale:

Weighing the infant is crucial to monitor for any significant weight loss, which can indicate dehydration or other underlying issues.

Choice F rationale:

Planning to administer a plain water enema to the infant is not appropriate in this scenario. The primary concern is the forceful vomiting, and an enema would not address this issue.

Rationale:

A. Defense mechanisms and coping strategies are not the same. Defense mechanisms are unconscious processes used to protect the individual from anxiety and internal conflicts, while coping strategies are conscious efforts to handle stress.

B. Defense mechanisms can be maladaptive and may not always help clients positively deal with stress. They can sometimes hinder adaptive functioning.

C. Defense mechanisms are indeed influenced by neurological and psychological growth. As individuals age, they develop more sophisticated and adaptive mechanisms.

D. Maladaptive defense mechanisms do not improve mental well-being; instead, they can often worsen mental health and impair functioning.

E. Adaptive defense mechanisms, such as sublimation and rationalization, help individuals manage stress more effectively and transform challenges into manageable situations.

F. Adaptive defense mechanisms are characteristic of more mature psychological functioning, reflecting a higher level of emotional resilience and coping.