A nurse is caring for a client who smokes and has lung cancer. The client reports, “I'm coughing because I have that cold that everyone has been getting.”
The nurse should identify that the client is using which of the following defense mechanisms?
Denial
Reaction formation
Sublimation
Suppression
The Correct Answer is A
Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept or acknowledge the existence of a problem or a reality that causes anxiety or distress. In this scenario, the client is denying that their coughing is related to their lung cancer, and instead attributing it to a common cold that everyone is getting. This denial may be a way for the client to avoid facing the reality of their illness and the potential consequences of smoking.
Option b, reaction formation, is a defense mechanism where an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings to reduce anxiety.
Option c, sublimation, is a defense mechanism where an individual channels their unacceptable impulses into more acceptable or socially appropriate behaviors.
Option d, suppression, is a defense mechanism where an individual consciously pushes down or avoids their thoughts or feelings. None of these defense mechanisms are being exhibited in the scenario described.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","F","H"]
Explanation
a. Substance abuse disorder
b. Schizophrenia
c. Age greater than 55 years old
f. Male gender
h. Previous suicide attempt.
Option a. Substance abuse disorder can increase the risk of suicide because it can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions and impair judgment.
Option b. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that can increase the risk of suicide due to symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations.
Option c. Age greater than 55 years old is a risk factor for suicide because older adults may experience social isolation, chronic health conditions, and loss of independence.
Option f. Male gender is a risk factor for suicide because men are more likely to die by suicide than women. Option h. Previous suicide attempt is a strong predictor of future suicide attempts and completed suicides. Option d. Female gender is not a known risk factor for suicide.
Option e. Being currently married is not a known risk factor for suicide. Option g. Having a bachelor’s degree is not a known risk factor for suicide.
Correct Answer is ["A","E"]
Explanation
a. “I can see that you feel sad about this situation”.
e. “The loss of your parent should be very painful for you.”
These responses by the nurse show empathy and validate the patient’s feelings. They also encourage the patient to continue expressing their emotions and facilitate communication.
Option b. “Don’t be sad, everyone has to pass for something like this in the life” is not a helpful response
because it minimizes the patient’s feelings and may make them feel like their emotions are not valid.
Option c. “I felt very sad when my mother died, it was horrible!” is not a helpful response because it shifts the focus of the conversation away from the patient and onto the nurse’s personal experience.
Option d. “Let’s talk about something else. this subject is upsetting you, don’t worry about this” is not a helpful response because it dismisses the patient’s emotions and may make them feel like they are not allowed to express their feelings.
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