A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client about smoking cessation.

Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Answer: B. You can take a shower 1 day after your procedure.

Rationale:

A. You can resume a regular diet 3 days after your procedure:
There is typically no need to delay resuming a regular diet for three days after a cardiac catheterization. Most clients can resume their usual diet shortly after the procedure once they are fully awake and any nausea has resolved.

B. You can take a shower 1 day after your procedure:
It is generally safe to shower the day after a cardiac catheterization as long as the insertion site remains protected. Clients should avoid soaking in a bath or swimming until the site is fully healed to prevent infection.

C. You can begin exercising 2 days after your procedure:
Strenuous activities, including exercise, should generally be avoided for a few days to a week following a cardiac catheterization. This allows time for the insertion site to heal and reduces the risk of complications such as bleeding.

D. You can return to school 1 week after your procedure:
Most clients can return to school or normal activities within a few days, provided they feel well and avoid excessive physical exertion. A full week off is typically not necessary unless specified by the healthcare provider based on the individual’s recovery.

b. Rationalization

Explanation:

The correct answer is b. Rationalization.

Rationalization is a defense mechanism characterized by the individual's atempt to justify or explain their behavior or actions in a way that makes it more acceptable to themselves or others. It involves providing logical-sounding reasons or excuses to mask or minimize the real underlying reasons for their behavior.

In this scenario, the client is atributing their recent behavior to the loss of their job, using it as a justification or explanation for their actions. By blaming the job loss, they are rationalizing their behavior as a direct result of the circumstances they faced.

Option a, Projection, involves atributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to others.

This defense mechanism does not apply to the client's statement about their job loss.

Option c, Repression, involves the unconscious blocking of unwanted thoughts or feelings. It does not relate to the client's behavior or their explanation for it.

Option d, Sublimation, is a defense mechanism where an individual channels or redirects unacceptable impulses or emotions into socially acceptable behaviors or activities. It is not applicable in this context since the client is not expressing their emotions or impulses through alternative constructive means.

By identifying the client's explanation as rationalization, the nurse recognizes the defense mechanism being used and gains insight into how the client is coping with their emotions and justifying their behavior in response to the job loss. This understanding can guide the nurse in providing appropriate support and interventions to help the client manage their anger more effectively.