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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This focuses on problem-solving rather than acknowledging the patient’s feelings, which is not empathy.
B. This expresses the nurse’s feelings, not the patient’s, so it reflects sympathy rather than empathy.
C. This statement acknowledges the patient’s emotional experience and communicates understanding from the patient’s perspective, which demonstrates empathy.
D. This is judgmental and dismissive, showing neither empathy nor support.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Concerns about returning to school reflect normal adjustment issues and do not indicate immediate danger.
B. Expressing happiness about being home is a positive statement and does not require urgent intervention.
C. Hypervigilance and startle responses are common symptoms of PTSD and should be monitored but are not immediately life-threatening.
D. Expressions of survivor’s guilt or thoughts questioning why one survived while others did not can indicate severe emotional distress and possible risk for self-harm or suicidal ideation. This statement requires immediate assessment and intervention by the nurse.
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