A nurse is speaking to the family of a Trauma victim. The nurse is blocking out the siren and alarm noises while speaking with the client’s family. They ask,” How can you be so calm and focused with all this noise going on?” The nurse is practicing which defense mechanism?
Disassociation-adaptive
Denial-adaptive
Rationalization-maladaptive
Altruism-maladaptive
The Correct Answer is A
Disassociation is a defense mechanism that involves mentally separating oneself from a stressful or traumatic situation in order to maintain a sense of calm and focus. In this scenario, the nurse is able to block out the sirens and alarms, which may be causing stress and anxiety, and maintain a calm and focused demeanor while speaking with the client's family. This is an adaptive use of disassociation because it allows the nurse to provide effective care and support to the family despite the chaotic environment.
Denial is a defense mechanism that involves denying or minimizing the existence of a stressful or traumatic situation. Rationalization involves justifying or excusing one's behavior or actions. Altruism involves selflessly helping others as a way of dealing with one's own problems. In this scenario, none of these defense mechanisms are being used by the nurse.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
You should try to see your partner's point of view before your own**. This statement by the newly licensed nurse requires intervention by the experienced nurse because it is not therapeutic and does not demonstrate empathy or active listening. Instead of offering advice or telling the client what to do, the nurse should focus on understanding the client's concerns and feelings and helping them explore their options.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Displacement is a defense mechanism in which an individual redirects their negative feelings or impulses from an object or person that is causing discomfort to a substitute object or person that is less threatening. In this scenario, the client is experiencing negative emotions due to losing their job but instead of dealing with the situation directly, they have redirected their anger towards the car windshield by throwing a rock. This behavior is maladaptive because it does not resolve the root cause of the negative emotions and instead causes harm to others.
Sublimation is a defense mechanism in which an individual channels their negative impulses or energy into socially acceptable behaviors or activities. Repression involves pushing unwanted thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind. Denial involves refusing to acknowledge the reality of a situation. None of these defense mechanisms are applicable to the scenario described.
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