Patient Data
The nurse engages the client in conversation about her feelings and some of her coping mechanisms.
Click to specify which client statement or behavior is most likely associated with each of the listed defense mechanisms. Some statements or behaviors may be consistent with more than one mechanism. Each column must have at least one but may have more than one answer selected.
The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.
The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.
The client states that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.
The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.
The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"C"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"D"}}
A. The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.
Defense Mechanism: Fantasy
- Explanation: The client may be using fantasy as a way to escape from the painful reality of her situation. Discussing moving to a place like Hawaii, which may represent an idealized and stress-free environment, suggests a desire to avoid confronting the challenges and emotions associated with her current circumstances.
B. The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.
Defense Mechanism: Isolation
- Explanation: Isolation, or emotional isolation, occurs when an individual separates emotions from the events or thoughts associated with them. The client's lack of emotional response when discussing rebuilding her house suggests that she may be isolating her feelings to avoid distress.
C. The client states that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.
Defense Mechanism: Suppression
- Explanation: Suppression involves the conscious effort to avoid thinking about distressing thoughts or memories. The client's statement that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital may indicate an attempt to suppress or avoid focusing on the traumatic event that led to her hospitalization.
D. The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.
Defense Mechanism: Denial
- Explanation: Denial involves refusing to accept the reality of a situation, which can manifest as irrational fears or beliefs. The client's fear that the hospital will burn down may reflect a form of denial, as she might be projecting her fear of the collapse (a traumatic event) onto another catastrophic event, thereby avoiding dealing with her actual trauma.
Summary of Answers:
- A. Fantasy - The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.
- B. Isolation - The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.
- C. Suppression - The client states that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.
- D. Denial - The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Any history of heart disease: While a history of heart disease is important for general health, it is not the most critical factor prior to initiating sertraline. The nurse should still assess for cardiovascular conditions, but this is not the most pressing concern.
B. Familial history of mental illness: While a familial history of mental illness can inform treatment decisions, it is not the most immediate or critical piece of information before starting sertraline.
C. Current weight: Weight is generally not the primary consideration before starting sertraline. However, weight changes can occur during treatment, but this is more of a concern during the ongoing management of the medication.
D. Medication history: Sertraline, as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels (e.g., other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, etc.). It is crucial to assess the client’s current medication history to prevent harmful drug interactions, such as serotonin syndrome. This is the most important information to gather before initiating treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Teaching the client to develop a plan for daily structured activities is a key intervention for addressing major depressive disorder with symptoms like psychomotor retardation, hypersomnia, and motivation. Structured activities can help the client regain a sense of purpose, improve motivation, and gradually return to a normal level of functioning.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging exercise is generally beneficial for mental health, but it may not be the most effective intervention for addressing the specific symptoms mentioned in this scenario.
Choice C rationale:
Suggesting the client develop a list of pleasurable activities is a valuable intervention but may not directly address the psychomotor retardation and hypersomnia seen in this case.
Choice D rationale:
Providing education on methods to enhance sleep is important, especially if hypersomnia is a symptom, but it should be part of a broader treatment plan that also includes addressing psychomotor retardation and motivation.
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