A nurse enters the room of a male patient who exhibits suspicious behavior.

The patient yells, “Stay away from my closet!” What is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take?

Choice A rationale
Therapy can be beneficial for children with disruptive behavioral disorders, but it is not the most effective intervention when implemented alone. Therapy often works best when combined with other strategies, such as consistent limit-setting.
Choice B rationale
Limit-setting is a crucial component of early interventions for children with disruptive behavioral disorders like conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Consistent limit-setting provides structure and clear expectations, which can help these children understand the consequences of their actions and learn to control their behavior. It is considered the most effective strategy because it directly addresses the behavioral issues that these children often struggle with.
Choice C rationale
While rewarding good behavior can be a useful strategy in managing disruptive behavioral disorders, it is not the most effective intervention when used alone. Rewards can encourage positive behavior, but without the structure provided by consistent limit-setting, children may not fully understand the connection between their actions and the consequences.
Choice D rationale
Punishment can sometimes be a part of the strategy for managing disruptive behavioral disorders, but it is not the most effective intervention. Over-reliance on punishment can actually exacerbate behavioral problems, as it does not teach children appropriate behaviors or help them understand the consequences of their actions.

Choice A rationale
Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to a previous stage of development in response to a stressful situation. This is not demonstrated in the patient’s statement.
Choice B rationale
Rationalization involves creating logical but untrue explanations to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings. In this scenario, the patient is rationalizing their failure to take their medication by blaming their partner’s forgetfulness.
Choice C rationale
Projection involves attributing one’s own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others. This is not demonstrated in the patient’s statement.
Choice D rationale
Repression involves unconsciously blocking out painful or uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. This is not demonstrated in the patient’s statement.