A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about Kohlberg's theory of moral development. The nurse should reinforce that which of the following stages involves challenging rules that impinge on the rights of others?

The correct answer is: a. Decrease in body fat

Choice A: Decrease in body fat

Older adults typically experience a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in body fat percentage. However, the absolute amount of body fat may decrease due to overall weight loss and muscle mass reduction.

Choice B: Increase in muscle mass

This statement is incorrect because muscle mass generally decreases with age due to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength.

Choice C: Increase in gag reflex

This statement is incorrect because the gag reflex often diminishes with age. Older adults may experience a reduced gag reflex due to decreased sensitivity and muscle tone.

Choice D: Decrease in systolic blood pressure

This statement is incorrect because systolic blood pressure usually increases with age due to arterial stiffness and other cardiovascular changes.

Choice A reason : Rationalization is a defense mechanism where an individual justifies behaviors or feelings with plausible but inaccurate explanations to avoid confronting the true underlying motives or facts. In this scenario, the client is rationalizing their failure to take medication by blaming their partner's forgetfulness, rather than accepting personal responsibility for their health management.

Choice B reason : Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. If the client had accused their partner of being irresponsible with medication as a reflection of their own behavior, it would be an example of projection. However, in this case, the client is not projecting their own forgetfulness onto their partner but rather shifting the blame.

Choice C reason : Repression is an unconscious mechanism employed by the ego to keep disturbing or threatening thoughts from becoming conscious. It involves pushing uncomfortable thoughts or memories into the unconscious mind. The client's statement does not suggest they are unconsciously forgetting to take their medication; instead, they are consciously aware of their action and providing a justification for it.

Choice D reason : Regression is a return to earlier stages of development and abandoned forms of gratification belonging to them, prompted by dangers or conflicts arising at one of the later stages. A client demonstrating regression might exhibit childlike behaviors when faced with stress. The client's statement does not indicate a regression to more infantile behaviors or coping mechanisms.