Which client would a nurse determine to be the most likely candidate for involuntary commitment?

Choice A reason:
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. This is not the correct answer because the man’s behavior of punching walls and yelling at his significant other is an outward expression of his own frustration, rather than projecting his feelings onto someone else. Projection would involve accusing others of having the feelings or thoughts that he himself is experiencing.
Choice B reason:
Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept reality or facts, blocking external events from awareness. This is not the correct answer because the man’s actions indicate that he is reacting to his frustration rather than denying its existence. Denial would involve ignoring or refusing to acknowledge the feelings or situation that is causing distress.
Choice C reason:
Displacement is the redirection of emotions or impulses from a threatening target to a safer one. This is the correct answer because the man redirects his anger from his supervisor, who is the source of his frustration, to a less threatening target, which is his significant other and the walls at home. Displacement allows the individual to express their emotions in a way that feels safer or more acceptable.
Choice D reason:
Passive-aggression involves expressing negative feelings indirectly rather than openly addressing them. This is not the correct answer because the man’s behavior is direct and aggressive, rather than passive. Passive-aggressive actions might include sulking, procrastination, or subtle resistance, none of which are evident in the described scenario.

Choice A reason:
Delusions of grandeur are a type of delusion where an individual believes they have exceptional abilities, wealth, or fame. This is not the correct answer because the client’s reaction of thinking others are making fun of them does not align with the belief of having grandiose qualities. Delusions of grandeur typically involve an inflated sense of self-importance, which is not evident in the scenario described.
Choice B reason:
Loose association refers to a thought disorder where ideas are presented with little or no logical connection. This is not the correct answer because the client’s reaction is more about misinterpreting the actions of others rather than displaying disorganized thinking. Loose associations would manifest as speech that is difficult to follow due to the lack of coherent connections between thoughts.
Choice C reason:
Ideas of reference involve the belief that insignificant remarks, events, or objects in one’s environment have personal meaning or significance. This is the correct answer because the client believes that the group’s laughter is directed at them, interpreting it as a personal attack. This misinterpretation of external events is a hallmark of ideas of reference, which is a common symptom in schizophrenia.
Choice D reason:
Magical thinking involves believing that one’s thoughts, words, or actions can cause or prevent specific outcomes in a way that defies the laws of cause and effect. This is not the correct answer because the client’s reaction does not involve any belief in their own ability to influence events through supernatural means. Instead, the reaction is based on a misinterpretation of the group’s behavior.