A woman receives a $1 per hour raise. She was expecting to receive an increase of $5 per hour and a promotion. She is furious but says nothing and smiles. That night at home, she kicks her cat for no apparent cause. This is an example of which of the following?
Denial
Sublimation
Countertransference
Displacement
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Denial involves refusing to acknowledge reality or emotions. In this case, the woman is aware of her anger but chooses not to express it directly, so denial does not apply.
Choice B reason: Sublimation is a defense mechanism where unacceptable impulses are transformed into socially acceptable actions. For example, channeling anger into exercise or art. Kicking a cat is not a socially acceptable outlet.
Choice C reason: Countertransference refers to a therapist’s emotional reaction to a client, often based on the therapist’s own unresolved issues. This concept does not apply to the woman’s personal reaction in a non-clinical setting.
Choice D reason: Displacement occurs when emotions are redirected from the original source to a safer or more acceptable target. The woman cannot express her anger at work, so she redirects it toward her cat, making this a textbook example of displacement.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This response reflects a core principle of motivational interviewing—expressing empathy and highlighting ambivalence. It validates the client’s conflicting feelings and opens the door for deeper exploration of values and goals, which can enhance motivation for change.
Choice B reason: This response is confrontational and may provoke defensiveness. Motivational interviewing avoids judgment and instead fosters collaboration and self-reflection.
Choice C reason: This statement is shaming and accusatory. It undermines the supportive tone of motivational interviewing and may damage rapport, reducing the likelihood of behavior change.
Choice D reason: While honesty is important, this directive approach lacks the client-centered spirit of motivational interviewing. It imposes a solution rather than guiding the client to discover their own motivation.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: A score of 12 on the AUDIT indicates hazardous or harmful alcohol use. No intervention would be inappropriate and neglectful of the clinical implications of the score.
Choice B reason: A score between 8 and 15 on the AUDIT suggests hazardous drinking. The recommended next step is a brief intervention, which involves structured advice or counseling aimed at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing escalation.
Choice C reason: Detoxification assessment is appropriate for scores above 20 or when there are signs of physical dependence and withdrawal. A score of 12 does not automatically warrant detox evaluation.
Choice D reason: PEth testing is a biomarker for alcohol use but is not a standard follow-up for an AUDIT score of 12. It may be used in legal or forensic contexts but is not necessary in routine clinical practice at this stage.
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