A nurse is caring for a client who reports that he is angry with his partner because she thinks he is just trying to gain attention. When the nurse attempts to talk to the client, he becomes angry and tells her to leave. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?
Denial
Compensation
Rationalization
Displacement
The Correct Answer is D
A. Denial:
Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person refuses to accept reality or acknowledge the existence of something that is evident to others. For example, a person diagnosed with a serious illness might deny that they are ill or refuse to believe the diagnosis. In this scenario, the client is not denying a reality; he is expressing anger and directing it toward the nurse.
B. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual overachieves in one area to compensate for real or imagined deficiencies in another area. For instance, someone who feels intellectually inferior might excel in sports to compensate for their perceived inadequacy. This is not applicable to the client's situation in the scenario provided.
C. Rationalization:
Rationalization involves providing logical or reasonable explanations to justify behaviors or feelings that might otherwise be unacceptable. For instance, a person might rationalize a failure by blaming external factors rather than accepting personal responsibility. In the scenario, the client is not offering rationalizations but is expressing direct anger.
D. Displacement:
Displacement occurs when emotions, especially anger or frustration, are redirected from the original source to a less threatening target. For example, a person who is angry with their boss might come home and take out their frustration on their family members. In the given situation, the client is displacing his anger from his partner onto the nurse, asking her to leave, making displacement the most appropriate choice.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Reaction Formation:
Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who harbors unconscious aggressive feelings might display exaggerated friendliness and kindness. In the given scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not contradictory to their true feelings; they are imitating the charge nurse willingly.
B. Suppression:
Suppression is a conscious effort to push down or hide certain thoughts or feelings. Unlike repression (which is unconscious), suppression involves a deliberate choice not to think about or dwell on certain emotions or thoughts. In the scenario, the behavior of the newly licensed nurse is not an example of suppression because they are not consciously trying to hide their actions.
C. Identification:
Identification is a defense mechanism where an individual unconsciously models their behavior, feelings, or attitudes after those of someone else, especially someone they perceive as powerful or significant. In this scenario, the newly licensed nurse is imitating the behaviors of the charge nurse, which is an example of identification.
D. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual consciously or unconsciously covers up weaknesses, frustrations, or feelings of inadequacy by emphasizing strengths or seeking to excel in other areas. It involves making up for a perceived lack by putting extra effort into another aspect of life. The scenario does not describe the newly licensed nurse compensating for any perceived weakness; they are simply imitating the charge nurse's behavior.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Recent head injury:
A recent head injury is a potential concern when considering the prescription of bupropion. Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, and head injuries might increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, it's important to report a recent head injury to the healthcare provider to assess the client's suitability for bupropion.
B. Hepatitis B infection:
Hepatitis B infection is not a contraindication for bupropion. However, the healthcare provider should be aware of the client's full medical history, including hepatitis B infection, to ensure appropriate monitoring and management, especially if the client is taking other medications or has liver function concerns.
C. Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, is not a contraindication for bupropion. However, the healthcare provider should be aware of this condition to monitor the client appropriately, as thyroid function can influence the metabolism of medications.
D. Knee arthroplasty 1 month ago:
Knee arthroplasty (knee replacement surgery) performed one month ago is not a direct contraindication for bupropion use. However, the provider should be informed of recent surgeries or procedures, especially if the client is taking medications or undergoing physical therapy, to ensure there are no potential drug interactions or complications related to the recent surgery. It's essential to monitor for signs of infection or other complications post-surgery.
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