A man has been arrested for driving under the influence twice within the past year. He continues to drink alcohol and tells his friends he does not have any issues with alcohol consumption. What is this behavior an example of?
Sublimation
Denial
Reaction formation
Repression
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially acceptable actions or behaviors. For example, someone might channel aggressive impulses into competitive sports. This does not apply to the scenario, as the man is not redirecting his behavior into a constructive outlet but rather continuing harmful behavior.
Choice B reason: Denial is a primitive defense mechanism where a person refuses to accept reality or facts. In the context of substance use, denial is common among individuals with alcohol use disorder. The man’s repeated arrests and continued drinking, coupled with his insistence that he has no problem, exemplify denial. He is rejecting the reality of his condition and its consequences, which is a hallmark of this defense mechanism.
Choice C reason: Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings or desires. For example, someone who feels hostility might act overly friendly. This does not fit the scenario, as the man is not displaying behavior contrary to his internal state—he is simply refusing to acknowledge the problem.
Choice D reason: Repression is an unconscious process where distressing thoughts or memories are pushed out of conscious awareness. While repression may play a role in substance use disorders, the man’s overt behavior and verbal denial suggest a conscious refusal to accept reality, which aligns more closely with denial than repression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reflective practice involves self-examination of one’s clinical decisions and experiences to improve future performance. While it supports evidence-based practice, it does not specifically refer to the systematic use of research findings to change clinical practice.
Choice B reason: Research utilization is the process of applying research findings to clinical practice. It involves synthesizing, disseminating, and implementing evidence to improve patient outcomes. This term specifically describes the operational aspect of evidence-based practice where knowledge is translated into action.
Choice C reason: Critical thinking is a cognitive process used to analyze information, make decisions, and solve problems. It is essential in evaluating research but does not encompass the full process of applying research findings to practice.
Choice D reason: Integration refers broadly to combining various elements into a unified whole. In evidence-based practice, it may describe the merging of clinical expertise, patient preferences, and research evidence, but it does not specifically denote the process of applying research findings.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: While this response emphasizes treatment, it dismisses the patient’s concern about causality. Understanding the interplay between depression and substance use is important for therapeutic engagement and individualized care.
Choice B reason: This response acknowledges the complexity of comorbid conditions and validates the patient's question. It reflects current understanding that depression and substance use disorder often co-occur and influence each other in multifactorial ways, including genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Choice C reason: This response assumes a unidirectional causality that may not be accurate. While depression can lead to substance use as a coping mechanism, it is not universally the cause in all cases.
Choice D reason: Similarly, this response assumes that substance use disorder led to depression. Although substance-induced depression is common, it is not always the primary cause. A more nuanced understanding is needed.
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