Quizlet HESI Mental Health Related

Review Quizlet HESI Mental Health related questions and content

A male client approaches the RN with an angry expression on his face and raises his voice, saying, "My roommate is the most selfish, self-centered, angry person I have ever met. If he loses his temper one more time with me, I am going to punch him out!" The RN recognizes that the client is using which defense mechanism?

  • A. Denial.
  • B. Projection.
  • C. Rationalization.
  • D. Splitting.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. Projection involves attributing one's own unacceptable feelings or thoughts to others, as seen in the client's accusations of his roommate's behavior. In this scenario, the client is projecting his own anger and potential for violence onto his roommate. Choice A, Denial, involves refusing to acknowledge some aspect of reality. Choice C, Rationalization, is a defense mechanism where logical reasons are given to justify behaviors that are actually based on unacceptable motives. Choice D, Splitting, is a defense mechanism where a person sees others as all good or all bad, not applicable in this case.