ATI Mental Health assessment

ATI Mental Health assessment ( 50 Questions)

Question 2 :

A nurse is caring for a client who has posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after being physically assaulted. The client is unable to recall any details of the event. Which of the following defense mechanisms should the nurse recognize that the client is displaying?



Correct Answer: A

A. Dissociation

Dissociation is a defense mechanism where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity as a way to cope with a traumatic or stressful situation. In the context of PTSD, dissociation may manifest as the inability to recall details of the traumatic event or feeling disconnected from reality.

B. Rationalization

Rationalization involves justifying or explaining behaviors, thoughts, or feelings in a rational or logical manner to make them acceptable to oneself or others. It is not typically associated with the inability to recall details of a traumatic event.

C. Undoing

Undoing is a defense mechanism characterized by engaging in acts or behaviors aimed at negating or "undoing" a previous undesirable thought, feeling, or action. It involves trying to make amends for perceived wrongdoings or mistakes, often through symbolic gestures. It is not typically associated with memory impairment related to trauma.

D. Reaction formation

Reaction formation is a defense mechanism where a person behaves in a manner that is opposite to their true feelings or impulses. For example, someone who feels hostility towards another person might display exaggerated friendliness. While reaction formation may be present in individuals with PTSD, it is not directly related to the inability to recall details of a traumatic event.


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