A nurse is providing counseling for a family that consists of two parents and their two adolescent children. Which of the following family members should the nurse identify as acting in the role of monopolizer?

The correct answer is c. Reacting to the nurse as though she were his mother.

Choice A rationale:

• Refusing to participate in group activities can be a sign of social anxiety,withdrawal,or other mental health issues,but it's not specifically indicative of transference.
• Individuals with personality disorders may withdraw from social interactions for various reasons,such as fear of rejection,discomfort in social settings,or a preference for isolation.
• While refusal to participate in group activities could be a manifestation of transference in some cases,it's not the most typical or defining characteristic.

Choice B rationale:

• Talking negatively about other staff members can occur due to dissatisfaction with treatment,personality traits,or interpersonal conflicts.
• It's not directly related to transference,which involves projecting feelings and expectations from past relationships onto current ones.
• While individuals with personality disorders may engage in negative talk about others,this behavior doesn't necessarily stem from transference.

Choice C rationale:

• Reacting to the nurse as though she were his mother is a classic example of transference.
• In this case,the client is unconsciously transferring feelings,thoughts,and behaviors associated with his mother onto the nurse.
• This can manifest in various ways,such as seeking excessive attention or reassurance from the nurse,becoming overly dependent on her,or reacting with anger or hostility if she doesn't meet his expectations.
• This behavior is a key indicator that the client is using transference as a coping mechanism.

Choice D rationale:

• Expressing frustration regarding unit rules can be a sign of difficulty with authority or adjusting to the structure of a treatment setting.
• It's not inherently a sign of transference,as it doesn't involve projecting feelings from past relationships onto the current one.
• Individuals with personality disorders may struggle with rules and authority,but this behavior is not a direct manifestation of transference.