A nurse is counseling a client who is experiencing partner violence. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A. Denial:
Denial is a defense mechanism in which a person refuses to accept reality or acknowledge the existence of something that is evident to others. For example, a person diagnosed with a serious illness might deny that they are ill or refuse to believe the diagnosis. In this scenario, the client is not denying a reality; he is expressing anger and directing it toward the nurse.

B. Compensation:
Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual overachieves in one area to compensate for real or imagined deficiencies in another area. For instance, someone who feels intellectually inferior might excel in sports to compensate for their perceived inadequacy. This is not applicable to the client's situation in the scenario provided.

C. Rationalization:
Rationalization involves providing logical or reasonable explanations to justify behaviors or feelings that might otherwise be unacceptable. For instance, a person might rationalize a failure by blaming external factors rather than accepting personal responsibility. In the scenario, the client is not offering rationalizations but is expressing direct anger.

D. Displacement:
Displacement occurs when emotions, especially anger or frustration, are redirected from the original source to a less threatening target. For example, a person who is angry with their boss might come home and take out their frustration on their family members. In the given situation, the client is displacing his anger from his partner onto the nurse, asking her to leave, making displacement the most appropriate choice.

A. Aspartate aminotransferase 20 units/L:
This result indicates the level of an enzyme in the blood. A value of 20 units/L is within the normal range (usually 10-40 units/L). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in the liver, heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated levels might indicate liver damage, but 20 units/L is a normal value.

B. Platelets 250,000/mm3:
Platelets are components of blood that help with clotting. A value of 250,000/mm3 is within the normal range (normal range is typically 150,000 to 450,000/mm3). Normal platelet levels are crucial for preventing excessive bleeding or clotting.

C. Sodium 140 mEq/L:
Sodium is an electrolyte essential for maintaining the body's water balance and nerve function. A level of 140 mEq/L falls within the normal range (typically 135-145 mEq/L). Proper sodium levels are important for overall body functioning.

D. Fasting glucose 175 mg/dL:
This indicates the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood after a period of fasting. A level of 175 mg/dL is elevated. Fasting glucose levels above 125 mg/dL may suggest diabetes or prediabetes. Elevated glucose levels are a cause for concern as they indicate poor blood sugar regulation, which can lead to various health complications, including diabetes.