A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder.
The client yells at the nurse whenever medication changes are prescribed by the client's provider.
The nurse should identify that the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?
Displacement.
Splitting.
Sublimation.
Conversion.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The appropriate response by the nurse in this situation is to consider the client's request and check with the charge nurse to see if it's possible to adjust the smoke breaks. This response demonstrates a willingness to listen to the client's request and explore the possibility of accommodating their needs within the unit's policies and routines. It does not immediately grant the request but shows respect for the client's concerns and attempts to find a compromise.
Choice B rationale:
Asking the client why they feel extra smoke breaks should be allowed is not the best response. It may come across as confrontational and defensive, which can escalate the situation. Clients with antisocial personality disorder may have difficulty adhering to rules, so it's essential to approach their requests with a collaborative and problem-solving attitude.
Choice C rationale:
Offering an extra smoke break in exchange for participation in group therapy is not an appropriate response. It can be seen as manipulating the client or using rewards to control their behavior. It's essential to maintain clear boundaries and not use rewards or punishments as a means of managing clients with personality disorders.
Choice D rationale:
Telling the client the smoking times on the unit are after each meal is not an appropriate response either. It doesn't address the client's request and simply restates the unit's policy. It's important to engage in a more therapeutic and client-centered approach when responding to requests from individuals with personality disorders.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
In an interprofessional team meeting for a client, it is essential to include information about changes in the client's condition or any new developments that may impact their care. The statement that "The client has developed difficulty ambulating" is relevant as it indicates a change in the client's mobility status and may require additional interventions or assessments.
Choice B rationale:
The timing of the client's next dressing change (scheduled in 4 hr) is important information but may not be the highest priority to discuss in an interprofessional team meeting. It is more pertinent to focus on the client's current condition and any changes that have occurred.
Choice C rationale:
The client's health insurance status (state-sponsored health insurance) is not typically a central topic of discussion in an interprofessional team meeting unless it directly affects the client's care plan or access to specific treatments.
Choice D rationale:
The frequency of the client's vital sign checks (every 8 hr) is important information for the healthcare team to be aware of, but it may not be the most critical piece of information to include in the interprofessional team meeting. Changes in vital signs or trends would be more relevant to discuss.
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