A nurse is caring for a client who states, "I did not take my medication because my partner forgot to remind me." The nurse should identify that the client is demonstrating which of the following defense mechanisms?

Choice A reason: I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance is a correct statement. Walking is a form of physical activity that can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Walking also has other benefits such as improving circulation, muscle strength, and mood. The patient should be encouraged to walk as much as possible with assistance to prevent falls and injuries.

Choice B reason: I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water is a correct statement. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body and helps to form soft and bulky stools. Fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Water is essential for hydration and helps to soften the stools and ease their passage. The patient should be advised to consume at least 25 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation.

Choice C reason: I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night is an incorrect statement that requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Laxatives and enemas are medications that are used to treat constipation by stimulating or lubricating the bowel. However, they should not be used routinely or excessively, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or dependence. The patient should be instructed to use laxatives and enemas only as prescribed by the doctor and for a short period of time. The patient should also be informed of the potential risks and complications of overusing laxatives and enemas.

Choice D reason: The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse is a correct statement. Pain medications, especially opioids, can slow down the movement of the bowel and cause constipation. This is a common and expected side effect of pain medications. The patient should be educated on how to manage constipation caused by pain medications, such as increasing fiber and water intake, exercising regularly, and using stool softeners or laxatives as needed. The patient should also be reassured that constipation does not mean that the pain medication is not working or that they are addicted to it.

Choice A reason: A teacher who notices a mole change but doesn't have time to see a dermatologist is not in a state of wellness. A mole change could indicate skin cancer, which is a serious health problem that requires prompt medical attention. Ignoring or delaying the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer could compromise the teacher's physical and emotional well-being.

Choice B reason: A fitness trainer who is struggling to cope with the death of her mother is not in a state of wellness. The death of a loved one is a major life stressor that can affect the fitness trainer's mental and emotional health. Grieving is a normal and healthy process, but it can also interfere with the fitness trainer's daily functioning and quality of life. The fitness trainer may need professional help or support from family and friends to cope with the loss.

Choice C reason: A hospice client who is comfortable and at peace with dying is in a state of wellness. Wellness is not only the absence of disease, but also the presence of positive health behaviors and attitudes. A hospice client who is comfortable and at peace with dying has accepted the reality of their condition and has made peace with themselves and others. The hospice client may also receive palliative care, which aims to relieve pain and suffering and improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families.

Choice D reason: A type 1 diabetic who gives himself extra insulin so he can eat cookies is not in a state of wellness. A type 1 diabetic who gives himself extra insulin so he can eat cookies is engaging in unhealthy and risky behavior that could harm his physical health. Extra insulin could cause hypoglycemia, which is a condition where the blood sugar level drops too low and can lead to seizures, coma, or death. Eating cookies could also increase the blood sugar level and contribute to complications such as nerve damage, kidney damage, or cardiovascular disease. A type 1 diabetic who wants to eat cookies should follow a balanced diet and monitor his blood sugar level regularly.