A nurse is preparing to assist with applying a cast to a preschooler's arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. "I don't care about work anymore since I was not given a promotion":

This statement demonstrates the maladaptive use of regression. Regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development in the face of unacceptable thoughts or impulses. In this case, the client's response to not receiving a promotion is to display a lack of interest in work, which can be seen as regressing to a less mature coping mechanism.

B. "I wrote a short story about a heroic woman when I was really mad at my boss."

This statement describes the defense mechanism of sublimation rather than regression. Sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses or emotions into more socially acceptable activities or behaviors. In this case, the client channels their anger into writing a short story, which is a constructive and creative outlet.

C. "I still cannot remember the scene of my husband's car accident":

This statement does not demonstrate regression. Instead, it suggests repression, which involves the unconscious blocking of unpleasant memories, thoughts, or feelings from conscious awareness. The client's inability to remember the scene of the accident may indicate repression as a defense mechanism.

D. "I mentally separate myself from distractions around me when I paint on canvas."

This statement describes the defense mechanism of dissociation rather than regression. Dissociation involves a disconnection between a person's thoughts, identity, consciousness, or memory. In this case, the client mentally separates themselves from distractions while painting, which is a form of dissociative coping.

A. "I will feed my baby on a schedule every 4 hours": Feeding an infant with heart failure on a strict schedule may not be appropriate because it may not allow the infant to consume adequate calories and nutrients when needed. Infants with heart failure may tire easily during feeding, so they may require more frequent, smaller feedings to ensure adequate intake.

B. "I will add Polycose to each of my baby's bottles": Polycose is a carbohydrate supplement sometimes used to increase the calorie content of infant formula or breast milk. However, adding it to every bottle without guidance from a healthcare provider may not be necessary or appropriate. The decision to use Polycose should be based on the infant's specific nutritional needs and should be directed by the healthcare team.

C. "I will allow my baby to take as much time as needed to finish the bottle": This statement indicates an understanding that infants with heart failure may have difficulty feeding due to fatigue or respiratory distress. Allowing the baby to take as much time as needed to finish the bottle ensures that they can consume an adequate amount of milk without becoming exhausted.

D. "I will limit my baby's crying to 15 minutes prior to each feeding": Limiting the baby's crying before feeding is not directly related to meeting the infant's nutritional needs. While minimizing stress and agitation before feeding can be beneficial, setting a specific time limit on crying may not always be practical or effective.