NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions Related

Review NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Questions related questions and content

A daughter is concerned that her mother is in denial when discussing her diagnosis of breast cancer because she sometimes says that breast cancer isn't that serious and changes the subject. The nurse informs the daughter that denial can be a healthy defense mechanism if it is used:

  • A. To permit her mother to seek unconventional treatments.
  • B. When making decisions about her care.
  • C. Alone and not in combination with other defense mechanisms.
  • D. To allow her mother to continue in her role as a mother.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Denial can be healthy if it allows the client to maintain normal roles (e.g., as a mother) while gradually processing the diagnosis, as long as it doesn't interfere with treatment.