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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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Displacement:
Displacement is a defense mechanism where a person redirects their feelings, often negative or hostile ones, from the original source or target to a different, less threatening target. For example, if the client were to express anger at their boss by yelling at their family members instead, it would be an example of displacement.
B. Rationalization:
Rationalization is a defense mechanism in which a person provides logical or reasonable explanations to justify or explain a situation or behavior, even if these explanations are not entirely true or valid. It involves creating justifications or excuses to make an event or one's actions appear more reasonable or acceptable. In this case, the client is rationalizing the job loss by attributing it to their boss not liking them, which may be an oversimplified or inaccurate explanation.
C. Dissociation:
Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person mentally separates themselves from their own thoughts, feelings, or experiences to cope with overwhelming or traumatic situations. It involves a disconnection from reality. The client's statement doesn't suggest dissociation; rather, they are providing a reason for their job loss.
D. Repression:
Repression is a defense mechanism that involves the unconscious exclusion of painful or anxiety-provoking thoughts, feelings, or memories from awareness. It is not readily visible or expressed in behavior. The client's statement involves a conscious attempt to explain their job loss, so it's not an example of repression.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Seat the client at a dining table with six or more residents:
People with Alzheimer's disease often experience sensory overload in crowded and noisy environments. Large dining tables with multiple residents can be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer's, leading to increased confusion and discomfort. It's more beneficial to seat them in a smaller, quieter setting to reduce stress and promote a more relaxed dining experience.
B. Use symbols to assist the client in locating rooms:
Individuals with Alzheimer's disease frequently have difficulties with memory and orientation. Using symbols or visual cues can aid them in understanding and remembering locations, reducing confusion and promoting independent movement within the facility or home.
C. Provide the client with several choices for meal selection:
While offering choices is generally a good practice, individuals with Alzheimer's disease may find it challenging to process too many options. Providing limited, clear choices can help prevent decision-making difficulties and reduce frustration. Too many choices can overwhelm them, leading to indecision and potential agitation.
D. Give complete directions before starting client care:
Providing complete and lengthy directions can overwhelm individuals with Alzheimer's disease. They may have difficulty processing complex instructions due to cognitive impairment. It's more effective to give simple, step-by-step directions and provide assistance as needed. Additionally, using gentle reminders and cues can support their understanding and cooperation without overwhelming them with too much information at once.
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