A nurse is providing postmortem care for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason : Repression is a defense mechanism that involves unconsciously blocking unpleasant feelings, desires, or experiences from one's awareness. It is a way for the ego to protect itself from things that the individual cannot cope with at the moment. In the scenario provided, the client does not seem to be unconsciously blocking out the stress but is instead consciously choosing to focus on different aspects of their life at different times.

Choice B reason : Compartmentalization is a defense mechanism where an individual separates different aspects of their life, allowing them to handle conflicting values or emotions by keeping these aspects in separate 'compartments' in their mind. This seems to be what the client is doing by separating work stress from family life, thus being able to concentrate on family when at home despite the stress at work.

Choice C reason : Regression is a defense mechanism that leads an individual to revert to an earlier stage of development when faced with stress. An example would be an adult throwing a tantrum when they don't get their way, which is not what the client is demonstrating in the scenario⁴.

Choice D reason : Projection is a defense mechanism where an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or motives to another person. For instance, someone who is angry at their colleague may accuse the colleague of being hostile towards them. The client's statement does not indicate that they are projecting their feelings onto others⁵.

Choice A reason : Change in marital status.A change in marital status is considered a social stressor rather than a physiological one. It relates to the personal and emotional aspects of one's life, impacting mental and emotional well-being rather than directly causing a physiological response.

Choice B reason : Financial difficulties.Financial difficulties are categorized as social stressors. They can lead to significant stress but do not directly cause a physiological response. Instead, they can indirectly affect health over time through sustained stress.

Choice C reason : Academic pressure.Academic pressure is a psychological stressor. It involves cognitive and emotional challenges that can lead to stress but is not a direct physiological stressor.

Choice D reason : Burn injury.A burn injury is a physiological stressor. It causes an immediate physical response in the body, triggering pain receptors, inflammatory responses, and the need for physical healing processes.