Marie has just learned that she has failed her mental health nursing class. She tells her friends, "I knew that instructor was going to fail me. She has never liked me and has just been looking for an excuse to fail me all along." Marie's behavior is an example of which defense mechanism?

Choice A reason: Notifying the physician is important, but it is not the immediate action to take. The nurse should first assess the patient's condition before contacting the physician.

Choice B reason: Evaluating the distal pulses is the correct action because it provides information on the blood flow to the extremities, which is crucial for patients with PAD.

Choice C reason: Having the patient lie in bed with a pillow under the knees is not recommended for PAD patients as it can decrease blood flow to the lower extremities.

Choice D reason: Covering the patient with a blanket may provide comfort, but it does not address the underlying issue of impaired blood flow in PAD.

Choice A reason: Euphoria is not typically a defense mechanism; it's a feeling of intense excitement and happiness.

Choice B reason: Depression is a mental health condition, not a defense mechanism.

Choice C reason: Manipulation can be a behavior exhibited by individuals with certain personality disorders, but it is not considered a primary defense mechanism.

Choice D reason: Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, and motives to another person.