Patient Data
The nurse engages the client in conversation about her feelings and some of her coping mechanisms.
Click to specify which client statement or behavior is most likely associated with each of the listed defense mechanisms. Some statements or behaviors may be consistent with more than one mechanism. Each column must have at least one but may have more than one answer selected.
The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.
The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.
The client states that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.
The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"D"}}
A. The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.
Defense Mechanism: Fantasy
- Explanation: The client may be using fantasy as a way to escape from the painful reality of her situation. Discussing moving to a place like Hawaii, which may represent an idealized and stress-free environment, suggests a desire to avoid confronting the challenges and emotions associated with her current circumstances.
B. The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.
Defense Mechanism: Isolation
- Explanation: Isolation, or emotional isolation, occurs when an individual separates emotions from the events or thoughts associated with them. The client's lack of emotional response when discussing rebuilding her house suggests that she may be isolating her feelings to avoid distress.
C. The client states that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.
Defense Mechanism: Suppression
- Explanation: Suppression involves the conscious effort to avoid thinking about distressing thoughts or memories. The client's statement that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital may indicate an attempt to suppress or avoid focusing on the traumatic event that led to her hospitalization.
D. The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.
Defense Mechanism: Denial
- Explanation: Denial involves refusing to accept the reality of a situation, which can manifest as irrational fears or beliefs. The client's fear that the hospital will burn down may reflect a form of denial, as she might be projecting her fear of the collapse (a traumatic event) onto another catastrophic event, thereby avoiding dealing with her actual trauma.
Summary of Answers:
- A. Fantasy - The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.
- B. Isolation - The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.
- C. Suppression - The client states that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.
- D. Denial - The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While it's important for the client to be aware of the signs and symptoms of their illness, medication monitoring is a more immediate concern.
Choice B rationale:
Participating in therapy can be beneficial, but it's not the most critical information to provide in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Living away from home is possible for many individuals with bipolar disorder, but medication management is a higher priority.
Choice D rationale:
Routine monitoring of serum lithium levels is crucial to ensure therapeutic levels and prevent lithium toxicity in individuals taking lithium carbonate for bipolar disorder.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Exploring changes in life that have occurred after the loss is the first action the nurse should take. This allows the nurse to assess the client's grief, identify specific stressors, and understand how the loss is impacting the client's daily life and emotional well-being. It provides valuable information for tailoring further interventions and support.
Choice B rationale:
Suggesting the need for a psychiatric consultation may be premature as the nurse should first assess the client's grief and coping mechanisms. Referral for psychiatric consultation should be considered if the client's emotional distress is severe, persistent, or significantly impacting their functioning.
Choice C rationale:
Offering a referral to pastoral counseling may be appropriate for some clients, but it should not be the first action. The nurse should assess the client's needs and preferences before making such a referral.
Choice D rationale:
Encouraging attendance at a local support group can be beneficial, but it should not be the initial step. The nurse should first assess the client's current emotional state and needs to determine the most appropriate interventions.
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