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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Buspirone does not provide rapid relief of anxiety. Its therapeutic effect is delayed because it works by modulating serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors rather than producing immediate central nervous system depression. Clinical improvement typically occurs after 1 to 3 weeks of continuous use. Therefore, relief of anxiety within 30 minutes is characteristic of benzodiazepines, not buspirone.

Choice B reason:
Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, dizziness, headache, and abdominal discomfort are relatively common adverse effects of buspirone, particularly during early treatment. These effects are dose related and may diminish over time, but they are not considered rare, making this option incorrect.

Choice C reason:
Buspirone does not cause physical dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms. Unlike benzodiazepines, it does not act on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and therefore lacks sedative, muscle-relaxant, and addictive properties. This makes buspirone a preferred option for long-term management of generalized anxiety disorder, especially in clients with a history of substance use disorder.

Choice D reason:
Buspirone has no sedative or hypnotic properties and does not promote sleep. It is ineffective as a nighttime sedative and should not be used for insomnia. Clients requiring sleep aids would need medications specifically indicated for sleep disturbances.

A. "I can give you a list of your partner's medications because they attempted suicide." B. "Because you are married, you have the right to request a copy of your partner's medical record." C. "I cannot discuss your partner's health information with you without their consent." D. "Because your partner was involuntarily admitted for treatment, their provider can answer your questions."

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason:
Disclosing medication information without the client’s consent violates confidentiality and privacy regulations. A suicide attempt does not automatically authorize disclosure of protected health information to family members.

Choice B reason:
Marriage alone does not grant automatic access to a client’s medical records. Written consent from the client is required unless the partner has legal authority such as healthcare power of attorney.

Choice C reason:
Clients retain the right to confidentiality regardless of involuntary admission status. Health information may not be shared without the client’s explicit consent unless there is a legal exception. This response appropriately protects the client’s privacy and complies with ethical and legal standards.

Choice D reason:
Involuntary admission does not remove confidentiality rights. Referring the partner to the provider does not justify disclosure and may imply that information can be shared, which is misleading.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and is taking buspirone. The nurse should identify that which of the following outcomes is an advantage of buspirone?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for an adult client who was involuntarily admitted following a suicide attempt. The nurse receives a call from the client's partner asking for a status report. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing mild anxiety. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse in an emergency department is preparing to discharge a client who has severe hypertension and requires detoxification for alcohol use disorder. The nurse should recommend a referral to which of the following resources?

A nurse is assessing a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing mania. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has anorexia nervosa. The client asks the nurse, "Have I done any permanent damage to my body?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse in a mental health clinic is assessing a client who has dependent personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a prescription for tranylcypromine. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which of the following foods while taking this medication?

A nurse is caring for an adolescent client who has anorexia nervosa. The client asks the nurse, "Have I done any permanent damage to my body?" Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A nurse is assisting in obtaining informed consent from a client who is scheduled for vagus nerve stimulation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to act as a client advocate?