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
Incorrect:
A. Developing autonomy:
Rationale: Developing autonomy typically involves a toddler's exploration of their environment and assertion of independence. While seeking comfort in familiar behaviors like thumb-sucking can be a part of autonomy development, the behavior described in the scenario is more indicative of regression, which involves returning to earlier, more infantile behaviors rather than progressing towards independence.
B. Regression:
Rationale: Regression refers to reverting to behaviors characteristic of an earlier stage of development. In this scenario, the toddler's behavior of sitting quietly in the corner of the crib and sucking her thumb, as well as turning away from the nurse, suggests a regression to earlier comforting behaviors that are typical of younger infants. This regression may be a response to the stress and anxiety of being hospitalized and separated from the mother, seeking comfort in familiar behaviors.
C. Resentment toward the mother:
Rationale: There is no evidence in the scenario to suggest resentment toward the mother. The toddler's behavior of seeking comfort in thumb-sucking and turning away from the nurse is more indicative of distress or regression in response to the hospitalization and separation from the mother rather than directed resentment toward her.
D. An anxiety reaction:
Rationale: The toddler's behavior of sitting quietly in the corner of the crib, sucking her thumb, and turning away from the nurse suggests a response to stress or anxiety rather than an anxiety reaction per se. While anxiety may be a component of the toddler's emotional state, the behavior aligns more closely with regression as a coping mechanism in response to the stressors of hospitalization and separation from the mother.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Withhold fluids until the client demonstrates a gag reflex: Withholding fluids until the gag reflex returns is not an appropriate intervention to prevent aspiration. The presence of a gag reflex does not guarantee the absence of aspiration risk. Additionally, depriving the client of fluids can lead to dehydration, which is not conducive to recovery.
B. Suction the nasopharynx as needed: This is the correct intervention to prevent aspiration in a client who is postoperative following anesthesia. Suctioning the nasopharynx helps remove secretions or blood that could obstruct the airway and lead to aspiration.
C. Perform chest physiotherapy: While chest physiotherapy may be beneficial for promoting lung expansion and clearing respiratory secretions, it is not specifically aimed at preventing aspiration. This intervention is more commonly used to manage conditions such as pneumonia or cystic fibrosis.
D. Place a bedside humidifier at the head of the client's bed: Using a bedside humidifier may help maintain airway moisture, but it does not directly address the risk of aspiration. While it can be a comfort measure, it is not a primary intervention for preventing aspiration in a postoperative client.
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