The nurse overhears the supervisor reprimand the charge nurse for not discussing feelings with a client. Shortly after, a client asks the charge nurse for an extra blanket. The charge nurse angrily responds, 'Get it yourself!' The nurse recognizes the charge nurse is displaying which defense mechanism?
- A. Compensation.
- B. Displacement.
- C. Conversion.
- D. Projection.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Displacement involves redirecting emotions from one target to another. The charge nurse, upset from the reprimand, displaces anger onto the client by responding harshly to a simple request, rather than addressing the supervisor.
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A female victim of a sexual assault is being seen in the crisis center for a third visit. She states that although the rape occurred nearly 2 months ago, she still feels 'as though the rape just happened yesterday.' Which statement is most appropriate for the nurse to use as a response?
- A. In reality, the rape did not just occur. It has been over 2 months now.'
- B. What can you do to alleviate some of your fears about being assaulted again?'
- C. In time, our goal will be to help you move on from these strong feelings about your rape.'
- D. Tell me more about those aspects of the rape that cause you to feel like the rape just occurred.'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option 4 allows for the client to express her ideas and feelings more fully and portrays a unhurried, nonjudgmental, supportive attitude. Clients need to be reassured that their feelings are normal and that they may freely express their concerns in a safe care environment. Although option 1 is true, it immediately blocks communication. Option 2 places the problem-solving totally on the client. Option 3 places the client's feelings on hold.
A client is suspected of having posttraumatic stress disorder. Which problem is the most important for the nurse to assess?
- A. panic attacks
- B. anorexia
- C. suicide
- D. short-term memory loss
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Suicide risk is the most critical to assess in PTSD due to high rates of suicidal ideation and attempts.
The nurse is caring for a terminally ill woman who is dying from diagnosed breast cancer. The nurse should know which client behavior is characteristic of anticipatory grieving?
- A. Discusses thoughts and feelings related to loss
- B. Has prolonged emotional reactions and outbursts
- C. Verbalizes unrealistic goals and plans for the future
- D. Ignores untreated medical conditions that require treatment
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse can determine the client's stage of anticipatory grief by observing the client's behavior. The remaining options are examples of dysfunctional grieving.
When planning the care of the client diagnosed with thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), the nurse incorporates information on which support service to best help the client cope with the lifestyle changes that are needed to control the disease process?
- A. Consult with a dietician
- B. Pain management clinic
- C. Smoking cessation program
- D. Referral to a medical social worker
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Smoking is highly detrimental to the client with Buerger's disease, and clients are recommended to stop completely. Because smoking is a form of chemical dependency, referral to a smoking cessation program may be helpful for many clients. For many clients, symptoms are relieved or alleviated when smoking stops. None of the remaining options are directly related to the physiology associated with this condition.
A prenatal client has been told during a primary health care provider office visit that she is positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The client cried and was significantly distressed regarding this news. Which client concern would this assessment data best support?
- A. Pain
- B. Nonadherence
- C. Anticipatory grieving
- D. High risk for infection
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A life-threatening diagnosis such as HIV will stimulate the anticipatory grief response. Anticipatory grief occurs when the client, family, and loved ones know that the client will die. The prenatal HIV client is forced to make important changes in her life, frequently resulting in grief related to lost future dreams and diminished self-esteem as a result of an inability to achieve life goals. Although the remaining options may be appropriate problem statements, they do not address the information given in the question.