A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says. "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily. lost 15 pounds and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using?

Regression

Projection

Denial

Displacement

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Regression is reverting to earlier developmental behaviors (e.g., thumb-sucking under stress). The patient is not showing childlike behaviors.

B. Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings to others. The patient is not blaming others for symptoms.

C. Denial is refusing to acknowledge a painful reality. Despite clear symptoms and diagnostic testing, the patient minimizes illness by attributing it to "just a stubborn chest cold."

D. Displacement is redirecting emotions onto a safer target (e.g., yelling at spouse instead of boss). Not evident here.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. There is no indication that cultural bias is affecting interpretation; the focus is on the mismatch between verbal and nonverbal cues.

B. While the patient says they enjoy the interaction, their nonverbal behavior (fidgeting, covering face, looking under chair) suggests discomfort or anxiety, not purely positive feedback.

C. The behaviors described (fidgeting, covering face) do not indicate hallucinations or delusions typical of psychosis.

D. The patient verbally states enjoyment, but their body language suggests discomfort, anxiety, or internal conflict, indicating incongruence between words and actions.

A. Confer with the health care provider to consider use of seclusion for this patient. B. Hold a staff meeting to discuss consistency and limit-setting approaches. C. Explain to the patient that the behavior is unacceptable. D. Conduct a meeting with all staff and patients to discuss the behavior.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Seclusion is a last-resort intervention, not an initial step.
B. Staff meetings to ensure consistent approaches, structure, and limit-setting prevent staff fatigue, reduce defensiveness, and provide therapeutic consistency for the client.
C. Confronting the patient directly about unacceptable behavior may escalate agitation and is not the most effective prevention strategy.
D. Group discussions with patients about one individual’s behavior would be inappropriate and non-therapeutic.

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A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says. "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily. lost 15 pounds and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Documentation in a patient's chart shows. "Throughout a 5-minute interaction, patient fidgeted and tapped their left foot, periodically covered their face with their hands, and looked under chair while stating, 1 enjoy spending time with you." Which analysis is most accurate?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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