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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Asking, "What would your family do without you?" can be seen as judgmental and may not encourage open communication. It doesn't directly address the client's statement about feeling like a burden or wanting to be gone.

Choice B rationale:

Saying, "When you get better you will not feel this way," minimizes the client's feelings and can be invalidating. It does not show empathy or concern for the client's current emotional state.

Choice C rationale:

Asking, "Why would you think a thing like that?" can come across as judgmental and may make the client defensive. It does not directly address the client's emotional distress or suicidal ideation.

Choice D rationale:

This is the correct answer. "Are you thinking of hurting yourself?" is a direct and appropriate question to assess the client's risk of self-harm or suicide. It demonstrates concern for the client's well-being and opens the door for a more in-depth conversation about their feelings and thoughts. Assessing for suicidal ideation is a crucial step in providing appropriate care for a client with depressive disorder.

A. "Let me show you how to swaddle and cuddle him, then you try.” B. "I'll take him back to the nursery, so you can get some rest.” C. "If I turn him on his side, maybe he'll go back to sleep.” D. "Babies need to cry soon after they are born to develop their lungs.”

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should respond by offering to show the client how to swaddle and cuddle the newborn and then encourage the client to try it herself. This response promotes bonding between the mother and newborn and empowers the client to care for her baby, building her confidence and self-esteem.

Choice B rationale:

Taking the newborn back to the nursery without involving the mother does not support maternal-infant bonding and does not address the client's feelings of inadequacy. It is essential to encourage maternal involvement in infant care.

Choice C rationale:

Turning the newborn on his side without addressing the client's concerns does not provide emotional support or guidance on infant care. It is important to respond to the client's emotional needs and offer assistance in caring for the baby.

Choice D rationale:

Telling the client that babies need to cry to develop their lungs is not an appropriate response to the client's distress. It does not address the client's concerns or provide helpful guidance on caring for the newborn.

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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?

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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?