A nurse is caring for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being physically assaulted. The client is unable to recall any details of the event. Which of the following defense mechanisms should the nurse recognize that the client is displaying?

Dissociation

Rationalization

Undoing

Reaction formation

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Dissociation

Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity as a way to cope with a traumatic or stressful situation. In the context of PTSD, dissociation may manifest as the inability to recall details of the traumatic event or feeling disconnected from reality.

B. Rationalization

Rationalization involves justifying or explaining behaviors, thoughts, or feelings in a rational or logical manner to make them acceptable to oneself or others. It is not typically associated with the inability to recall details of a traumatic event.

C. Undoing

Undoing is a defense mechanism characterized by engaging in acts or behaviors aimed at negating or "undoing" a previous undesirable thought, feeling, or action. It involves trying to make amends for perceived wrongdoings or mistakes, often through symbolic gestures. It is not typically associated with memory impairment related to trauma.

D. Reaction formation

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person behaves in a manner that is opposite to their true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who feels hostility towards another person might display exaggerated friendliness. While reaction formation may be present in individuals with PTSD, it is not directly related to the inability to recall details of a traumatic event.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. The client states that he has developed sudden hearing loss: This could potentially be an example of somatization, where psychological distress is expressed through physical symptoms. However, sudden hearing loss alone might not specifically indicate regression.

B. The client states that his partner will not visit because they are too busy with their job: This statement does not directly suggest regression. It appears to be an explanation or justification for the partner's behavior.

C. The client yells obscenities at the nurse: Yelling obscenities could indicate frustration or anger, but it does not necessarily suggest regression. It could be a response to the current situation rather than a regressive behavior.

D. The client stomps his feet and throws objects off the bedside table: This behavior could indicate regression. Stomping feet and throwing objects are more characteristic of childish or immature behavior, which suggests a regression to an earlier stage of emotional development.

A. “I check my breasts for lumps every day, but I’m still really scared about getting breast cancer.” B. “I have had several negative pregnancy tests but know they are all wrong.” C. “I double-check my pills because think the pharmacist may be putting poison in them.” D. “I feel really nervous when my partner goes to work and i am home alone during the day.”

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. “I check my breasts for lumps every day, but I’m still really scared about getting breast cancer.”: This statement reflects excessive worry about a specific medical condition (breast cancer) despite engaging in frequent checking behaviors. It is consistent with illness anxiety disorder.

B. “I have had several negative pregnancy tests but know they are all wrong.”: This statement suggests a belief that contradicts objective evidence (negative pregnancy tests) and may indicate a somatic symptom disorder or a delusional disorder rather than illness anxiety disorder.

C. “I double-check my pills because I think the pharmacist may be putting poison in them.”: This statement reflects mistrust or paranoia about medications and the intentions of the pharmacist. While it involves health-related concerns, it may be more indicative of paranoid ideation or delusional beliefs.

D. “I feel really nervous when my partner goes to work, and I am home alone during the day.”: This statement describes anxiety related to separation from a partner and being alone, which is not a characteristic feature of illness anxiety disorder. It may be more indicative of generalized anxiety disorder or separation anxiety disorder.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is caring for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being physically assaulted. The client is unable to recall any details of the event. Which of the following defense mechanisms should the nurse recognize that the client is displaying?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse on a mental health unit is leading a group therapy session for a group of clients. Which of the following statements should the nurse expect from a client who has illness anxiety disorder?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a newly admitted client who has obsessive-compulsive disorder. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A nurse is admitting a client who has borderline personality disorder and is at risk for self-mutilation. Which of the following interventions should the nurse incorporate in the plan of care?

A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse recommend a referral for assertive community treatment (ACT)?

A nurse is reviewing the medical records of a group of clients. For which of the following clients should the nurse implement seizure precautions?

A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a prescription for disulfiram. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client who is aggressive toward other clients and has been placed in wrist restraints. After obtaining a prescription for restraints from the provider, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is assessing a client who reports using cocaine 1 hr ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is caring for a client who has just learned that her partner has died by suicide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first