A nurse is caring for an adolescent on an inpatient mental health unit who is undergoing detoxification for a substance use disorder. He tells the nurse that he first began using illicit drugs when his parents wouldn't allow him to get a tattoo. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?

Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this case, the client is attributing the cause of their drug use to their parents not allowing them to get a tattoo. By projecting their desire for a tattoo onto their parents' decision, the client is displacing their own feelings onto an external factor.

Incorrect:

A. Suppression: Suppression involves consciously pushing away or blocking unwanted thoughts, feelings, or impulses. The client's statement does not indicate an attempt to suppress any thoughts or emotions related to their drug use; instead, they are openly discussing the reason for their substance use.

B. Intellectualization: Intellectualization involves using excessive reasoning or logic to avoid acknowledging or experiencing associated emotions. The client's statement does not reflect intellectualization, as they are not overly relying on intellectual processes or attempting to detach themselves from the emotional aspects of their behavior.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a temporary disconnection from thoughts, feelings, or memories to avoid emotional distress. The client's statement does not demonstrate dissociation, as they are connecting their drug use to a specific event and cause.

The appropriate response for the nurse in this situation is to acknowledge the partner's concern and empathize with their feelings. By stating, "It must be very difficult for you to see your wife in pain," the nurse acknowledges the partner's emotions and shows understanding and empathy. This response validates the partner's feelings and demonstrates support and compassion.

B- "We're doing everything we can to keep your wife comfortable" may be a true statement, but it does not directly address the partner's expressed wish to do something to help. It may not fully address the emotional aspect of the partner's statement.

C- "I wish there was more that I could do to relieve your wife's pain, too" is a genuine response that expresses empathy. It acknowledges the partner's desire to help and implies that the nurse shares the same sentiment. This response shows understanding and support.

D- "I'm sure your wife will begin to feel better soon" dismisses the partner's concern and does not address their expressed wish to alleviate their wife's pain. It may not fully acknowledge the partner's emotions or provide the support they need in that moment.