A nurse is assessing a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Takes advantage of others for her own benefit

Believes that others are deceiving her

Shows exaggerated expression of emotions

Demonstrates detachment from others

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Takes advantage of others for her own benefit:
This behavior is not specific to paranoid personality disorder. Instead, it may be seen in individuals with antisocial personality disorder, who disregard the rights of others and exploit them for personal gain. People with paranoid personality disorder are more characterized by a pervasive distrust of others and a belief that others are out to harm or deceive them.

B. Believes that others are deceiving her:
This is a hallmark symptom of paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder often exhibit extreme distrust and suspicion, believing that others have hidden motives or are deliberately trying to deceive, harm, or manipulate them. This suspiciousness and belief in the untrustworthiness of others are key features of paranoid personality disorder.

C. Shows exaggerated expression of emotions:
Exaggerated expression of emotions is not a defining characteristic of paranoid personality disorder. People with this disorder tend to display a guarded and suspicious demeanor rather than exaggerated emotional expressions. Their interpersonal interactions are often marked by skepticism and wariness.

D. Demonstrates detachment from others:
Detachment from others is more characteristic of schizoid personality disorder, not paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with schizoid personality disorder tend to be emotionally detached and have limited interest in social interactions. In contrast, individuals with paranoid personality disorder are highly suspicious and tend to assume that others are hostile or malevolent, leading to interpersonal difficulties rooted in their intense distrust.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "Since injuring my knee, I've decided to become the team manager."
Option A represents an adaptive use of the ego defense mechanism known as sublimation. Sublimation is a process in which a person channels potentially negative or harmful impulses or feelings into more socially acceptable and constructive activities. In this case, the adolescent with the injured knee is using the opportunity to become the team manager, which is a positive and constructive way to stay engaged with the team despite the setback of the injury.

B. "Since my mom died, I focus all my attention on my grades."
This is an example of reaction formation, a defense mechanism where someone overemphasizes the opposite of their true feelings. In this case, the individual might be hiding or avoiding their grief by focusing on grades.

C. "I didn't tell the teacher about the bullying because it wouldn't have changed anything."
This is an example of rationalization, where the individual provides a logical-sounding but potentially inaccurate explanation for their actions. It can be a defense mechanism to justify or make more acceptable one's choices.

D. "I'm not even going to think about writing that thesis paper until after prom."
This is an example of procrastination or avoidance, which is not an ego defense mechanism but a coping or time-management strategy. It doesn't represent an adaptive use of a defense mechanism in this context.

A. Displacement B. Rationalization C. Dissociation D. Repression

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Displacement:
Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects their feelings, often negative or hostile ones, from the original source or target to a different, less threatening target. For example, if the client were to express anger at their boss by yelling at their family members instead, it would be an example of displacement.
B. Rationalization:

Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person provides logical or reasonable explanations to justify or explain a situation or behavior, even if these explanations are not entirely true or valid. It involves creating justifications or excuses to make an event or one's actions appear more reasonable or acceptable. In this case, the client is rationalizing the job loss by attributing it to their boss not liking them, which may be an oversimplified or inaccurate explanation.
C. Dissociation:

Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person mentally separates themselves from their own thoughts, feelings, or experiences to cope with overwhelming or traumatic situations. It involves a disconnection from reality. The client's statement doesn't suggest dissociation; rather, they are providing a reason for their job loss.

D. Repression:
Repression is a defense mechanism that involves the unconscious exclusion of painful or anxiety-provoking thoughts, feelings, or memories from awareness. It is not readily visible or expressed in behavior. The client's statement involves a conscious attempt to explain their job loss, so it's not an example of repression.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has paranoid personality disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

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