A nurse is caring for a client who has a personality disorder. Which of the following statements made by the client indicate they are coping with the maladaptive defense mechanism of displacement?
"The night shift nurse is terrible."
"If I do what I am supposed to do, it will go away."
"I am so angry with my spouse."
"I don't know why I am here in the first place."
The Correct Answer is A
A. "The night shift nurse is terrible.": This is an example of displacement, where the client redirects feelings of anger or frustration from a more significant issue, such as personal conflict or stress, onto an unrelated person like the night shift nurse.
B. "If I do what I am supposed to do, it will go away.": This statement reflects an attempt at problem-solving or avoidance rather than displacement. The client is trying to manage the situation directly by taking action, rather than transferring emotions.
C. "I am so angry with my spouse.": This is a direct acknowledgment of the source of the distress (the spouse) and does not involve displacement. The client is openly expressing anger rather than redirecting it onto someone or something unrelated.
D. "I don't know why I am here in the first place.": This reflects denial, where the client avoids recognizing the true reasons for being in treatment. The client is avoiding confronting their feelings or the situation but isn’t displaying displacement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Blames others for own mistakes: While feelings of guilt or self-blame can occur in PTSD, the focus is usually on the trauma and its effects, not a general tendency to blame others for personal mistakes.
B. Talks excessively: Excessive talking is not a specific symptom of PTSD. Clients with PTSD may have difficulty expressing their feelings or may avoid conversations that bring up traumatic memories.
C. Has difficulty concentrating on set tasks: Difficulty concentrating is a common symptom of PTSD, often due to intrusive thoughts or hypervigilance. The client may find it hard to focus on tasks due to the constant state of alertness or distress.
D. Holds persistent negative beliefs about self: Clients with PTSD often have negative beliefs about themselves, feeling guilty, ashamed, or worthless due to their traumatic experiences. This is a key feature of the disorder, reflecting the impact of trauma on self-perception.
E. Difficulty falling or staying asleep: Sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, are common in PTSD due to hyperarousal and nightmares. Clients may have disrupted sleep patterns related to the trauma they experienced.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "If I were you, I would go to a few therapy sessions to give them a try": This statement is not appropriate because it places the nurse's personal perspective onto the client, potentially pressuring them. It does not respect the client's autonomy in making their own decisions.
B. "One of my friends went to group therapy and they improved significantly": Sharing personal experiences can make the client feel uncomfortable and may not be relevant to their own situation. It can also create a sense of comparison, which is not helpful.
C. "You have the right to refuse to attend group therapy": This statement is respectful of the client's autonomy and acknowledges their right to make decisions about their care. It empowers the client and maintains their dignity while respecting their refusal.
D. "You should go to group therapy if you want to get better": This statement may feel coercive, as it implies that the client "should" attend therapy to improve. It might lead the client to feel guilty or pressured rather than supported in their choice.
Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options.
The client is at risk of developing