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

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Long-term isolation: Long-term isolation, or social isolation, can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. While prolonged isolation can contribute to mental health issues, it is not a direct risk factor for violent behavior. People who are socially isolated might suffer from emotional distress, but it doesn't necessarily make them violent.

B. Dysthymic disorder: Dysthymic disorder, also known as persistent depressive disorder, is a type of chronic depression. While individuals with dysthymic disorder may experience low moods and a lack of interest in activities, it doesn't inherently make them prone to violence. Depression is more likely to cause self-directed harm (such as self-harm or suicide) rather than violent behavior towards others.

C. Alcohol intoxication: Alcohol is a substance that impairs judgment and reduces inhibitions. When a person is intoxicated, they may act aggressively or violently, even in situations where they wouldn't normally do so. Alcohol intoxication can lead to a loss of control, impaired decision-making, and aggressive behavior, making it a significant risk factor for violent actions.

D. Schizoid personality disorder: Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a lack of interest in social relationships, emotional coldness, and detachment. While individuals with this disorder may prefer to be alone and avoid social interactions, they are not necessarily prone to violent behavior. Schizoid personality disorder primarily affects social functioning rather than predisposing someone to violence.

A. Reassure staff members that the debriefing is confidential. B. Have staff members discuss their involvement in the event. C. Ask staff members to describe their most traumatic memories of the event. D. Provide stress-management exercises to the staff members.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. "Reassure staff members that the debriefing is confidential."
This is an appropriate first step. Ensuring confidentiality creates a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions.

B. "Have staff members discuss their involvement in the event."
This can be a part of the debriefing process, but it might not be the first step. Generally, individuals are given the option to share their experiences, but they should not be forced to do so. Some might not be ready to talk about their involvement immediately.

C. "Ask staff members to describe their most traumatic memories of the event."
This might be too intrusive as a first step. It's important to approach discussions about specific traumatic memories with caution and only when individuals are comfortable sharing.

D. "Provide stress-management exercises to the staff members."
This could be a helpful step after ensuring confidentiality and allowing individuals the opportunity to express their feelings. Stress-management exercises can provide valuable coping strategies.

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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?

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