During a group therapy session, a nurse notes several clients using multiple defense mechanisms. Which of the following client statements demonstrates the maladaptive use of regression?
"I don't care about work anymore since I was not given a promotion"
"I wrote a short story about a heroic woman when I was really mad at my boss."
" I still cannot remember the scene of my husband's car accident"
"I mentally separate myself from distractions around me when I paint on canvas. "
The Correct Answer is A
A. "I don't care about work anymore since I was not given a promotion":
This statement demonstrates the maladaptive use of regression. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses. In this case, the client's response to not receiving a promotion is to display a lack of interest in work, which can be seen as regressing to a less mature coping mechanism.
B. "I wrote a short story about a heroic woman when I was really mad at my boss."
This statement describes the defense mechanism of sublimation rather than regression. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into more socially acceptable activities or behaviors. In this case, the client channels their anger into writing a short story, which is a constructive and creative outlet.
C. "I still cannot remember the scene of my husband's car accident":
This statement does not demonstrate regression. Instead, it suggests repression, which involves the unconscious blocking of unpleasant memories, thoughts, or feelings from conscious awareness. The client's inability to remember the scene of the accident may indicate repression as a defense mechanism.
D. "I mentally separate myself from distractions around me when I paint on canvas."
This statement describes the defense mechanism of dissociation rather than regression. Dissociation involves a disconnection between a person's thoughts, identity, consciousness, or memory. In this case, the client mentally separates themselves from distractions while painting, which is a form of dissociative coping.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "Who is lying about you and trying to poison you?": This response may come across as confrontational and may not effectively address the client's underlying fear or paranoia. It could potentially escalate the client's anxiety or reinforce their delusions by implying that the nurse believes the accusations are valid.
B. "You seem to be having very frightening thoughts.": This response acknowledges the client's experience without directly challenging or validating the content of their delusions. It conveys empathy and concern while also opening the door for further exploration of the client's feelings and experiences. By acknowledging the frightening nature of the client's thoughts, the nurse demonstrates understanding and provides an opportunity for therapeutic dialogue.
C. "You are mistaken. Nobody is lying about you or trying to poison you.": This response denies the client's reality and contradicts their experience, which can be invalidating and may cause the client to feel misunderstood or dismissed. It's important to avoid outright denial of the client's beliefs, as it can damage the therapeutic relationship and hinder effective communication.
D. "Why do you think you are being lied about and poisoned?": While this response seeks to explore the client's thoughts and feelings, it may be perceived as challenging or confrontational. It could unintentionally reinforce the client's delusions by inviting them to elaborate on their paranoid beliefs without first acknowledging the distress they are experiencing.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E"]
Explanation
B. Ability to perform calculations: Assessing the client's ability to perform calculations helps in evaluating cognitive functioning. Impairments in calculation abilities can indicate cognitive decline associated with dementia. Tasks such as simple arithmetic or counting backward can be included in the assessment.
C. Long-term memory: Evaluating long-term memory is essential as it helps assess the client's ability to recall events, experiences, and information from the distant past. Long-term memory deficits are often seen in various types of dementia, and assessing this aspect provides valuable information about the extent of cognitive impairment.
D. Level of orientation: Assessing the client's level of orientation to time (e.g., awareness of date, day, season), place (e.g., awareness of current location), and person (e.g., awareness of self and others) is crucial in evaluating cognitive function. Orientation deficits are common in dementia and can provide insights into the progression and severity of the condition.
E. Recall ability: Evaluating the client's ability to recall recent events, information, or instructions assesses short-term memory function, which is often impaired in dementia. Tasks such as asking the client to repeat a series of words or recall recent activities help in assessing recall ability and memory impairment associated with dementia.
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