A nurse is admitting a client to an alcohol abuse program. The client states, "I'm here because of my boss.
It was part of my job to go to parties and drink with clients." The client's statement is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?
Suppression.
Rationalization.
Reaction-formation.
Compensation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Suppression involves the conscious, intentional effort to push unwanted thoughts, feelings, or memories out of awareness. It is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not actively trying to forget or avoid their alcohol use. Instead, they are attempting to justify it.
Choice B Rationale:
Rationalization is the defense mechanism most clearly demonstrated in the client's statement. It involves creating false but seemingly logical reasons to justify unacceptable behavior or feelings. The client is attributing their alcohol use to external factors (their boss and job requirements) rather than taking responsibility for their own choices and actions. This allows them to avoid confronting the reality of their addiction and the need for change.
Key characteristics of rationalization that align with the client's statement:
Externalizing blame: The client places responsibility for their drinking on their boss and job, rather than acknowledging their own agency.
Minimizing the problem: The client suggests that their drinking was merely a necessary part of their job, downplaying the extent of their alcohol use and its negative consequences.
Avoiding negative emotions: By shifting blame, the client protects themselves from feelings of guilt, shame, and responsibility associated with their addiction.
Choice C Rationale:
Reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is opposite to one's true feelings or impulses. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not expressing overly negative or critical attitudes towards alcohol. Instead, they are attempting to justify their use of it.
Choice D Rationale:
Compensation involves overemphasizing a desirable trait or behavior to make up for a perceived weakness or deficiency. This is not evident in the client's statement, as they are not highlighting any positive qualities or accomplishments to offset their alcohol use.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Seclusion may be considered for a school-age client who repeatedly bites staff as a method of last resort to ensure the safety of both the client and staff.
It's important to exhaust other interventions first, such as verbal de-escalation, redirection, and medication.
If seclusion is used, it should be implemented under strict guidelines, with close monitoring and frequent reassessment to determine its effectiveness and necessity.
Choice B rationale:
Seclusion may be considered for an older adult client who is manic and agitated due to overstimulation, as it can provide a safe and quiet environment to reduce sensory input and promote calming.
However, it's crucial to carefully assess the client's physical and cognitive status, as seclusion can exacerbate confusion and disorientation in older adults.
Close monitoring and reassessment are essential.
Choice C rationale:
Seclusion may be considered for an adolescent client who throws objects at other clients to maintain safety and prevent harm to others.
It's important to first attempt other interventions, such as verbal de-escalation, redirection, and limit-setting.
If seclusion is used, it should be brief and implemented with therapeutic goals in mind, such as promoting self-regulation and problem-solving skills.
Choice D rationale:
Seclusion is contraindicated for an adult client after an interrupted suicide attempt.
This is because seclusion can increase isolation, hopelessness, and despair, which are significant risk factors for suicide.
It can also hinder close observation and monitoring of the client's mental state, potentially leading to further suicide attempts.
Instead, the focus should be on providing supportive, one-to-one contact, ensuring safety, and establishing therapeutic rapport to address the underlying issues that led to the suicide attempt.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Agoraphobia: This choice directly aligns with the client's presentation of being afraid to leave her home alone. Agoraphobia is a specific phobia characterized by an intense fear of situations that the individual perceives as inescapable or that might potentially lead to panic or embarrassment. Common triggers for agoraphobic individuals include crowded spaces, open spaces, public transportation, or being alone outside of the home. The client's inability to leave her home for weeks due to fear is a classic symptom of agoraphobia.
B. Xenophobia: This choice refers to the fear of strangers or foreigners. While the client may experience anxiety in unfamiliar situations, the primary focus of her fear is being outdoors alone rather than encountering unfamiliar people. Additionally, the daughter's description of the client's fear specifically mentions being alone, further supporting agoraphobia as the more likely diagnosis.
C. Mysophobia: This choice refers to an extreme or obsessive fear of germs or contamination. While anxiety related to cleanliness could coexist with agoraphobia, the primary presenting complaint in this case is the fear of being outdoors, not specifically germs or contamination.
D. Aerophobia: This choice refers to the fear of flying or being in high places. There is no indication in the scenario that the client's fear is specifically related to heights or flying, making this choice less likely.
Therefore, based on the specific nature of the client's fear and the limited information provided, agoraphobia is the most probable diagnosis and the one the nurse should anticipate planning care for.
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