A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who presents to the labor and delivery unit.

Exhibits

The nurse assisting with this client's care should expect which of the following prescriptions from the client's provider? Select all that apply.

The correct answer is: a. Displacement.

Choice A Reason: Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects a negative emotion from its original source to a less threatening recipient. In the context of bipolar disorder, a client may displace anger or frustration about their condition or treatment onto the nurse, who is not the source of these feelings. This redirection can occur because the client might feel powerless or uncomfortable expressing these emotions towards their healthcare provider, who is the authority figure prescribing medication changes.

Choice B Reason: Splitting is often associated with borderline personality disorder rather than bipolar disorder. It involves viewing things in extremes—either all good or all bad—with no middle ground. While individuals with bipolar disorder can exhibit black-and-white thinking, especially during mood episodes, the behavior described does not indicate splitting, as it does not involve idealizing or devaluing the nurse or provider.

Choice C Reason: Sublimation is a mature defense mechanism where socially unacceptable impulses or idealizations are unconsciously transformed into socially acceptable actions or behavior, often resulting in a long-term conversion of the initial impulse. For example, a person with aggressive tendencies might take up a sport that channels aggression in a socially acceptable way. The scenario provided does not suggest that the client is channeling their frustrations into a constructive activity.

Choice D Reason: Conversion involves the transfer of mental stress into physical symptoms. This defense mechanism is characteristic of conversion disorder, where psychological stress manifests as neurological symptoms like blindness, paralysis, or other sensory or motor symptoms without a medical cause. The client yelling at the nurse does not reflect a conversion of emotional distress into physical symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Hyperreflexia is not a common manifestation of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) SJS typically presents with skin and mucous membrane involvement, such as a skin rash, blistering, and mucosal lesions. Hyperreflexia is more commonly associated with neurological conditions, and it is not a typical symptom of SJS.

Choice B rationale:

Tinnitus with ear pain is not a characteristic manifestation of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) SJS primarily affects the skin and mucous membranes and does not typically involve the ears or auditory system. Tinnitus with ear pain could be related to other ear or auditory issues but is not associated with SJS.

Choice C rationale:

Diplopia (double vision) is not a typical manifestation of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) SJS primarily presents with skin and mucous membrane symptoms, including a rash, blisters, and mucosal lesions. Diplopia is more commonly associated with eye conditions or neurological disorders and is not a direct symptom of SJS.

Choice D rationale:

Skin rash with fever is a crucial manifestation to monitor and report in a client taking allopurinol because it can be indicative of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) Allopurinol is known to be associated with severe skin reactions like SJS, which can initially present as a skin rash with fever. Early recognition and reporting of this symptom are essential to prevent further complications. SJS is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.