A nurse is counseling a client for the management of anxiety. The client is consistently late for appointments and ignores household chores. The client states, "I'm just too stressed. I need someone to take care of me." The nurse identifies this behavior as an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Repression

Introjection

Dissociation

Regression

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Repression: Repression involves unconsciously pushing unwanted thoughts, memories, or feelings out of conscious awareness. It involves burying distressing emotions or memories deep in the unconscious mind to avoid dealing with them consciously. In this scenario, the client's behavior does not suggest the repression of any specific thoughts or memories but rather a coping mechanism related to their current stress and anxiety.

B. Introjection: Introjection occurs when an individual internalizes the values, beliefs, or attitudes of others as if they were their own. It involves incorporating external standards or influences into one's own identity. While introjection may contribute to the client's behavior indirectly by influencing their beliefs about needing external support, the primary defense mechanism at play in this scenario is regression.

C. Dissociation: Dissociation involves a disruption in the integration of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. It often manifests as a detachment from reality or a sense of being disconnected from oneself or the surrounding environment. While dissociation may occur in response to severe stress or trauma, it typically involves more extreme symptoms than those described by the client in this scenario.

D. Regression: Regression involves reverting to earlier, less mature behaviors or stages of development in response to stress or anxiety. It reflects a retreat to a more comfortable or familiar state in an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. In this scenario, the client's statement about needing someone to take care of them suggests a desire to return to a state of dependency, which is characteristic of regression as a defense mechanism.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Suppression: Suppression involves consciously pushing down or ignoring thoughts, feelings, or memories that are perceived as unacceptable or distressing. In this scenario, the client is not consciously trying to push down or ignore their behavior; instead, they are explaining their actions using a defense mechanism.

B. Reaction-formation: Reaction-formation occurs when an individual expresses feelings or behaviors that are the opposite of their true feelings or desires. In this case, the client's statement does not involve expressing the opposite of their true feelings. Instead, they are rationalizing their behavior.

C. Compensation: Compensation involves attempting to overcome feelings of inadequacy or failure in one area by excelling in another area. The client's statement does not suggest that they are compensating for anything; rather, they are explaining their behavior through a defense mechanism.

D. Rationalization: Rationalization involves providing logical or socially acceptable reasons for behavior that are not the true reasons. In this scenario, the client is rationalizing their behavior by attributing it to external factors, such as their boss's influence, rather than acknowledging their own responsibility for their actions. This defense mechanism allows the client to avoid facing the underlying issue of alcohol abuse by providing a seemingly reasonable explanation for their behavior.

A. "I use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement." B. "I only need to catheterize myself twice every day." C. "I carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water." D. "I do wheelchair exercises while watching TV."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "I use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement": This statement indicates an appropriate understanding of managing bowel function, as regular bowel movements are essential for individuals with spinal cord injury to prevent complications such as constipation.

B. "I only need to catheterize myself twice every day": Individuals with spinal cord injury and paralysis often require intermittent catheterization at regular intervals to empty their bladders completely and prevent urinary retention. Twice-daily catheterization may not be sufficient for adequate bladder management and could lead to urinary complications such as urinary tract infections or bladder overdistention. The client may need further teaching to understand the importance of more frequent catheterization.

C. "I carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water": Staying hydrated is crucial for individuals with spinal cord injury to prevent urinary tract infections and maintain overall health. Carrying a water bottle indicates an appropriate understanding of the importance of hydration.

D. "I do wheelchair exercises while watching TV": Engaging in wheelchair exercises is beneficial for maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health for individuals with spinal cord injury. This statement demonstrates an understanding of the importance of physical activity and exercise in the client's daily routine.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is admitting a client to an alcohol abuse program. The client states, "I'm here because of my boss. It was parting nursing actions should and drink with clients." The client's statement is an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has spina bifida and is paralyzed from the waist down. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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