A hospice nurse is talking with the family of a client who recently died from cancer following a series of chemotherapy treatments. One of the adult children is angry with the provider and blames the provider for their parent's death. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the family member using?
Dissociation
Rationalization
Repression
Displacement
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Dissociation involves a disruption in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. It is often seen when individuals detach from reality to avoid distressing emotions or experiences. In this case, the family member is not detaching from reality or experiencing a break in consciousness. Instead, they are expressing anger outwardly toward the provider. Therefore, dissociation does not apply.
Choice B reason: Rationalization is the use of logical-sounding explanations to justify or excuse unacceptable feelings or behaviors. For example, someone might say, “It was better this way” to justify a loss. The family member is not attempting to justify or excuse the death with reasoning; they are instead directing anger toward the provider. Thus, rationalization is not the defense mechanism being used.
Choice C reason: Repression is the unconscious blocking of unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or memories from awareness. It is a defense mechanism that prevents distressing emotions from surfacing. In this scenario, the family member is openly expressing anger and blame, not unconsciously suppressing emotions. Therefore, repression is not the correct mechanism.
Choice D reason: Displacement occurs when emotions are redirected from their original source to a safer or more acceptable target. The family member is experiencing grief and anger due to the parent’s death but is directing that anger toward the provider instead of confronting the painful reality of losing their parent. This redirection of emotions is a classic example of displacement, making it the correct answer.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lanugo is a fine, downy hair that develops on the body as a compensatory mechanism in clients with anorexia nervosa due to severe malnutrition and low body fat. It is not typically associated with bulimia nervosa, since bulimia involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or laxative use, but does not usually result in the same degree of starvation seen in anorexia.
Choice B reason: Dental caries are expected in bulimia nervosa because repeated self-induced vomiting exposes teeth to gastric acid. This acid erodes enamel, leading to tooth decay, sensitivity, and caries. This is a hallmark physical finding in bulimia and directly reflects the purging behavior characteristic of the disorder.
Choice C reason: Cold extremities are more commonly associated with anorexia nervosa due to severe malnutrition, hypothermia, and poor circulation from low body fat. Clients with bulimia nervosa may have normal weight or even be overweight, so cold extremities are not a typical finding.
Choice D reason: Amenorrhea is more characteristic of anorexia nervosa due to extreme caloric restriction and low body fat, which disrupts hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle. While menstrual irregularities can occur in bulimia nervosa, amenorrhea is not a defining or expected finding.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: While this statement is true, it is confrontational and does not address the nurse’s legal and professional responsibility. Nurses must prioritize child safety and follow mandated reporting laws rather than offering judgmental statements.
Choice B reason: Asking the parent why they think it will not happen again is inappropriate. It places responsibility on the parent and may minimize the seriousness of the abuse. The nurse’s role is to protect the child, not to debate with the caregiver.
Choice C reason: Reporting suspected child abuse is not optional or left to the parent. It is a legal obligation of healthcare providers. Suggesting that it is the parent’s responsibility misrepresents the nurse’s duty and could result in failure to protect the child.
Choice D reason: Informing the parent that the child will be privately interviewed is appropriate. This ensures the child’s voice is heard without parental influence and allows professionals to assess the situation accurately. It also communicates the seriousness of the incident while maintaining professionalism
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