A 40-year-old patient cries and has a tantrum when the health care provider refuses to give her a prescription for diet pills. The nurse realizes that this is the use of which defense mechanism?

Projection

Repression

Denial

Regression

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable feelings or thoughts onto another person. However, in this case, the patient’s tantrum and crying are more about their own inability to handle the refusal rather than projecting feelings onto others.
B.   Repression is a defense mechanism where distressing thoughts or feelings are unconsciously blocked from entering awareness. For instance, if the patient were to push aside their feelings of disappointment about not receiving the diet pills without expressing them, that would be repression.
C.   Denial involves refusing to accept reality or facts that are distressing or threatening. However, the primary behavior in this situation is the tantrum and crying, which are more indicative of another defense mechanism rather than outright denial.
D.   Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to behaviors characteristic of an
earlier developmental stage in response to stress or conflict. The patient’s crying and tantrum can be seen as regressive behavior because it reflects a return to more childlike or immature ways of handling frustration, similar to how a child might react to not getting what they want.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth and is usually treated with a combination of psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, and support. While light therapy might have some benefits for mood disorders, it is not the primary treatment for postpartum depression.
B. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs at certain times of the year, usually in the winter months when there is less natural sunlight. Phototherapy, or light therapy, is considered an effective treatment for SAD as it helps to mimic natural sunlight and improve mood by influencing circadian rhythms and serotonin levels.
C. While light therapy can have effects on mood, it is generally not used as a primary treatment for bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is often managed with mood stabilizers and other medications to prevent mood swings.
D. While light therapy can be beneficial for some types of depression, it is not typically the first-line treatment for moderate depression. Moderate depression is usually treated with antidepressants, psychotherapy, or a combination of both.

A. Posttraumatic stress disorder B. Obsessive-compulsive disorder C. Disordered thinking D. Phobia

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is the most likely diagnosis based on the information provided. The teenager's reaction to the firecrackers is a classic example of a trigger response associated with PTSD. The loud noise is likely triggering a flashback to the school shooting, causing the individual to react as if they are back in the traumatic event.
B. OCD involves recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While the behavior might seem repetitive, it's directly linked to a traumatic event, making PTSD a more likely diagnosis.
C. This is a broad term that could encompass various mental health conditions. While the behavior might seem unusual, it's a direct response to a traumatic experience, making PTSD more specific.
D. A phobia is an irrational fear of a specific object or situation. While the teenager might exhibit fear, the response is directly linked to a traumatic event, making PTSD a more appropriate diagnosis.

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A 40-year-old patient cries and has a tantrum when the health care provider refuses to give her a prescription for diet pills. The nurse realizes that this is the use of which defense mechanism?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Explanation

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