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.
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Correct Answer is D
Explanation
In this scenario, the client has expressed a serious threat to harm someone, which triggers a healthcare provider's duty to warn law. The nurse appropriately informed the healthcare provider, who then informed their boss, to protect the potential victim from harm. This action is not a violation of privacy or confidentiality, as it is necessary for the safety and wellbeing of others.
Therefore, no disciplinary action is required for the nurse or the healthcare provider, as they acted in accordance with their professional and legal obligations to protect the safety of others.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Involuntary hospitalization for mental illness is typically reserved for situations where an individual poses an immediate danger to themselves or others due to a severe mental illness. In option A, the individual is experiencing command hallucinations, which are often a symptom of a severe mental illness such as schizophrenia. The fact that they want to hurt their neighbor is a clear indication that they pose a danger to others and require emergency intervention.
Option B may indicate a mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, but it does not necessarily pose an immediate danger to the individual or others.
Option C may indicate a relapse in addiction, but again, it does not necessarily pose an immediate danger to the individual or others.
Option D may indicate a need for follow-up and intervention, but it does not indicate an immediate danger to the individual or others.
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