A client diagnosed with OCD spends hours bathing and grooming. During a one-on-one interaction, the client discusses the rituals in detail but avoids any feelings that the rituals generate. Which defense mechanism should the nurse identify?
- A. Dissociation
- B. Rationalization
- C. Sublimation
- D. Intellectualization
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Intellectualization is a defense mechanism where an individual focuses on rational, logical explanations to distance themselves from uncomfortable emotions. In this scenario, the client discusses the OCD rituals in a detailed and analytical manner, avoiding the emotional aspects associated with them. This behavior reflects intellectualization rather than dissociation, rationalization, or sublimation. Dissociation involves a disconnection from reality, rationalization is the attempt to justify behaviors, and sublimation is redirecting unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.
You may also like to solve these questions
After 1 week of continuous mental confusion, an elderly African American client is
admitted with a preliminary diagnosis of a neurocognitive disorder due to dementia.
Which statement would cause the nurse to question this diagnosis?
- A. There has been no triiodothyronine or thyroxine level evaluation ordered
- B. Neurocognitive disorders do not typically occur in African American clients
- C. The symptoms presented are more indicative of parkinsonism
- D. Dementia does not develop suddenly
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
The client recently survived a plane crash and is assessed by the nurse. Which client statement would cause the nurse to suspect that the client may be experiencing PTSD?
- A. I believe that I was meant to survive this accident so that I can focus on the important things in life
- B. Although I have nightmares sometimes, I have started going to church to show gratitude for surviving the crash
- C. I am so afraid that I will never be able to fly again, but I know that it will take a while
- D. I keep having these thoughts about the crash that just pop into my mind at random times
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Experiencing intrusive thoughts about a traumatic event, such as a plane crash, that occur unexpectedly and repeatedly is a common symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). These thoughts can be distressing and are often a key indicator of PTSD. Options A, B, and C demonstrate coping mechanisms and fears related to the traumatic event but do not specifically address the hallmark symptom of intrusive thoughts. Therefore, option D is the correct choice as it aligns with a potential symptom of PTSD.
In what order should the following goals be approached for a client being treated for alcoholism?
- A. Learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills
- B. Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system
- C. Abstinence and development of a support system; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; developing alternative coping skills
- D. Abstinence and development of a support system; learning about dependence and recovery; attaining physiological stabilization; developing alternative coping skills
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When treating a client for alcoholism, it is important to follow a structured approach to maximize treatment effectiveness. The correct order of approaching goals is to first help the client in developing alternative coping skills to manage triggers and stressors without relying on alcohol. This is followed by attaining physiological stabilization, which involves addressing any physical health issues related to alcoholism. Next, the client should learn about dependence and recovery to understand the nature of their condition and the process of recovery. Finally, the goals of abstinence and developing a support system come into play to ensure long-term sobriety and a reliable network of support. Therefore, the correct order is: Developing alternative coping skills; attaining physiological stabilization; learning about dependence and recovery; abstinence and development of a support system.
A client is experiencing progressive changes in memory that have interfered with personal, social, and occupational functioning. The client exhibits poor judgment and has a short attention span. The nurse recognizes these as classic signs of which condition?
- A. Delirium
- B. Mania
- C. Parkinsonism
- D. Alzheimer's
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's presentation of progressive memory changes, poor judgment, and attention deficits align with classic signs of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline that significantly impacts daily functioning. While delirium and mania may present with cognitive changes, Alzheimer's is specifically associated with progressive memory loss and cognitive impairment over time.
A client has been taking lithium for several years with good symptom control. The client presents in the emergency department with blurred vision, tinnitus, and severe diarrhea. Which lithium level should the nurse correlate with these symptoms?
- A. 3.7
- B. 1.7
- C. 2.6
- D. 1.3
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms such as blurred vision, tinnitus, and severe diarrhea are indicative of lithium toxicity. A lithium level of 1.7 is within the toxic range. When clients present with these symptoms, it is crucial for the nurse to correlate them with elevated lithium levels to ensure timely intervention and prevent further complications.