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
Explanation
Borderline personality disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by instability in mood, behaviour, and self-image. Patients with borderline personality disorder are at a high risk of self-harm, suicide, and impulsive behaviours. Therefore, the nurse's priority assessment should be to identify any suicidal or homicidal ideations, as these can be life-threatening emergencies. Once identified, appropriate interventions should be initiated, such as suicide precautions, crisis management, and referral to mental health professionals for further evaluation and treatment.
While sleep patern changes, impulsive behaviours, and support systems are also important aspects to assess in patients with borderline personality disorder, they are not the priority when compared to suicidal or homicidal ideations.
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