Patient Data

Exhibits here

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.

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.

Choice A rationale:
This reflects a potential misunderstanding about the diagnosis and may contribute to stigma. The nurse should provide education and clarify that having acute stress disorder or similar responses to trauma does not mean the client is "crazy."

Choice B rationale:
This statement reflects a positive attitude toward therapy and self-improvement. There is no immediate need for follow-up teaching in this statement, as it aligns with the potential benefits of therapy for coping with trauma.

Choice C rationale:
This indicates the client's interest in holistic approaches, which is positive. However, the nurse should provide information and guidance on the use of such approaches in conjunction with other treatments.

Choice D rationale:
This suggests that the client may believe her response is typical. The nurse should provide education about the variability in individual responses to stress and trauma.

Choice E rationale:
This statement shows an understanding of the relationship between acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While it's true that having ASD can increase the risk of developing PTSD, this statement does not require immediate follow-up teaching. However, the client should receive ongoing education about managing and preventing PTSD

Choice F rationale:
This raises concerns about the client's expectations regarding the duration of medication. The nurse should provide information about the intended duration of medication and the importance of ongoing assessment and follow-up with healthcare providers.