A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I am under a great deal of stress at work, but I am able to forget my work and concentrate on my family when I get home at night." The nurse should identify that the client is demonstrating which of the following defense mechanisms?
Repression
Compartmentalization
Regression
Projection
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason : Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant feelings, desires, or experiences from one's awareness. It is a way for the ego to protect itself from things that the individual cannot cope with at the moment. In the scenario provided, the client does not seem to be unconsciously blocking out the stress but is instead consciously choosing to focus on different aspects of their life at different times.
Choice B reason : Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism where an individual separates different aspects of their life, allowing them to handle conflicting values or emotions by keeping these aspects in separate 'compartments' in their mind. This seems to be what the client is doing by separating work stress from family life, thus being able to concentrate on family when at home despite the stress at work.
Choice C reason : Regression is a defense mechanism that leads an individual to revert to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. An example would be an adult throwing a tantrum when they don't get their way, which is not what the client is demonstrating in the scenario⁴.
Choice D reason : Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. For instance, someone who is angry at their colleague may accuse the colleague of being hostile towards them. The client's statement does not indicate that they are projecting their feelings onto others⁵.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason : Inability to form healthy relationships is not typically associated with fixation at the oral stage of development. Freud's theory suggests that this issue is more related to the Oedipal conflict during the phallic stage, where the individual's interactions with parental figures shape their future relationships.
Choice B reason : Feelings of shame are generally associated with the anal stage of Freud's psychosexual development, where the child's experiences with toilet training can lead to outcomes that manifest as either excessive orderliness or messiness in adulthood, rather than shame, which is not directly linked to the oral stage.
Choice C reason : Bedwetting is not a condition associated with the oral stage of development. It is more related to the anal stage, where issues of control and independence are central, and bedwetting can be a manifestation of conflicts around toilet training.
Choice D reason : Overeating is a classic example of an oral stage fixation. According to Freud, if an individual's needs are not properly met during the oral stage (0–1 years), they may develop habits such as overeating or smoking to satisfy the residual need for oral stimulation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is: a. Decrease in body fat
Choice A: Decrease in body fat
Older adults typically experience a decrease in lean body mass and an increase in body fat percentage. However, the absolute amount of body fat may decrease due to overall weight loss and muscle mass reduction.
Choice B: Increase in muscle mass
This statement is incorrect because muscle mass generally decreases with age due to sarcopenia, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength.
Choice C: Increase in gag reflex
This statement is incorrect because the gag reflex often diminishes with age. Older adults may experience a reduced gag reflex due to decreased sensitivity and muscle tone.
Choice D: Decrease in systolic blood pressure
This statement is incorrect because systolic blood pressure usually increases with age due to arterial stiffness and other cardiovascular changes.
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