When the patient who overeats insists that weight gain is related to retained fluids, the nurse recognizes the patient is using which defense mechanism?
Compensation
Rationalization
Regression
Projection
The Correct Answer is B
A. Compensation involves offsetting perceived deficiencies by excelling in other areas. The patient claiming weight gain is due to fluid retention is not trying to make up for a perceived weakness or deficiency; instead, they are explaining their behavior in a way that deflects responsibility.
B. Rationalization is a defense mechanism where a person provides logical or reasonable-sounding explanations for behaviors or situations that are actually motivated by irrational or emotional factors. In this case, the patient who overeats is rationalizing their weight gain by attributing it to fluid retention rather than addressing the underlying issue of overeating. This allows them to avoid facing the real cause of their weight gain.
C. Regression involves reverting to earlier stages of development or behavior when faced with stress. For instance, an adult might act childishly when under pressure. The patient in this scenario is not behaving in a more immature or childlike manner but is rather giving an excuse for their behavior.
D. Projection involves attributing one's own undesirable thoughts or feelings to others. For example, someone who is untrustworthy might accuse others of being untrustworthy. The patient in this scenario is not attributing their own issues to others but is offering an excuse for their own behavior.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Prozac is sometimes used to treat certain anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder, its primary indication is not for anxiety.
B. Prozac is not used to treat schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder that is usually managed with antipsychotic medications. Prozac, as an SSRI, does not address the primary symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations.
C. Prozac is primarily prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It is one of the most commonly used SSRIs for managing depression. The medication works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
D. Prozac is not typically used as the primary treatment for bipolar disorder. While it may be used in combination with mood stabilizers for managing depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, it is not used alone due to the risk of potentially triggering manic episodes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This is the primary goal of the first phase of depression treatment. It focuses on stabilizing the client's condition and alleviating the most distressing symptoms, such as sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep and appetite.
B. While medication is often part of the treatment plan, it's not the primary focus of the initial phase. The goal is to address the symptoms first.
C. This is more relevant to the later stages of treatment when the client's condition has stabilized.
D. This is too narrow a focus. The goal is to address the underlying depression and its associated symptoms, not just specific behaviors.
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