Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Sexual Violence Related

Review Test Bank for Essentials of Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: A Communication Approach to Evidence-Based Care, 4e 4th Edition - Sexual Violence related questions and content

A nurse interviews a person abducted and raped at gunpoint by an unknown assailant. The person says, 'I can't talk about it. Nothing happened. I have to forget!' What is the person's present coping strategy?

  • A. Somatic reaction
  • B. Repression
  • C. Projection
  • D. Denial
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Disbelief is common during the acute stage following sexual assault. Denial is evidence of this disbelief, used unconsciously to protect the person from the emotionally overwhelming reality of rape. The statements do not reflect somatic symptoms, repression, or projection.