A nurse is preparing to administer carbamazepine suspension 150 mg via NG tube every 6 hr. The amount available is 100 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer with each dose?

(Round the answer to the nearest tenth. Use a leading zero if it applies. Do not use a trailing zero.)

The correct answer is: a. Displacement.

Choice A Reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a less threatening recipient. In the context of bipolar disorder, a client may displace anger or frustration about their condition or treatment onto the nurse, who is not the source of these feelings. This redirection can occur because the client might feel powerless or uncomfortable expressing these emotions towards their healthcare provider, who is the authority figure prescribing medication changes.

Choice B Reason: Splitting is often associated with borderline personality disorder rather than bipolar disorder. It involves viewing things in extremes—either all good or all bad—with no middle ground. While individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit black-and-white thinking, especially during mood episodes, the behavior described does not indicate splitting, as it does not involve idealizing or devaluing the nurse or provider.

Choice C Reason: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, often resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse. For example, a person with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport that channels aggression in a socially acceptable way. The scenario provided does not suggest that the client is channeling their frustrations into a constructive activity.

Choice D Reason: Conversion involves the transfer of mental stress into physical symptoms. This defense mechanism is characteristic of conversion disorder, where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms like blindness, paralysis, or other sensory or motor symptoms without a medical cause. The client yelling at the nurse does not reflect a conversion of emotional distress into physical symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

The charge nurse should identify the social worker as appropriate to share client information with when it involves an involuntarily committed school-age client. This choice is correct because sharing information with a social worker who is actively involved in the client's care and has a legitimate need to know is in line with ethical and legal confidentiality requirements. Confidentiality should be maintained to protect the client's privacy, but sharing information with a healthcare team member who needs it to provide appropriate care is acceptable.

Choice B rationale:

Sharing a client's medical information with the client's employer due to concerns about substance use is not appropriate without the client's explicit consent. It is important to respect the client's confidentiality unless there is a legal obligation or a safety concern. In this case, obtaining the client's permission to share such information is crucial.

Choice C rationale:

Sharing a client's medical information with their partner after the client reports intimate partner abuse should be done with caution. While there may be instances where sharing is necessary to ensure the client's safety, it should ideally be done with the client's consent and while involving appropriate authorities. In some jurisdictions, there may be mandatory reporting requirements for domestic violence, but the client's consent should still be sought when possible.

Choice D rationale:

Sharing a client's medical information with a nurse from another unit after the client commits suicide is not appropriate without a legitimate reason, such as continuity of care. In such cases, information sharing should be limited to what is necessary for the provision of care and should be in accordance with facility policies and privacy laws. The primary consideration should be maintaining confidentiality while ensuring the safety and well-being of other patients and healthcare staff.