Marie has just learned that she has failed her mental health nursing class. She tells her friends, "I knew that instructor was going to fail me. She has never liked me and has just been looking for an excuse to fail me all along." Marie's behavior is an example of which defense mechanism?

Choice A reason: Catatonia is characterized by symptoms such as extreme muscle rigidity, repetitive speech, and resistance to movement, which align with Lisa's presentation. It is often associated with other mental health conditions but can also be a standalone diagnosis.

Choice B reason: Disorganized schizophrenia is marked by disorganized thinking and behavior, inappropriate emotional responses, and erratic actions. While Lisa's symptoms could suggest a psychotic disorder, they do not specifically indicate disorganized schizophrenia.

Choice C reason: Schizotypal disorder involves eccentric behavior, odd beliefs, and difficulty forming close relationships. Lisa's symptoms do not align with the core characteristics of schizotypal disorder.

Choice D reason: Brief psychotic disorder is a short-term condition that includes delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized speech. Lisa's symptoms could be part of a brief psychotic episode, but the specific mention of muscle rigidity and resistance to movement is more indicative of catatonia.

Choice A reason: Direct communication with the surgeon can provide the patient with reassurance and specific information about the surgery, which may alleviate fears.

Choice B reason: Offering spiritual support may be helpful, but it does not directly address the patient's concern about the surgery itself.

Choice C reason: Providing statistics may be reassuring, but it may not fully address the patient's individual fears.

Choice D reason: Recommending analgesics only addresses pain management and not the patient's expressed fear regarding the surgery.