Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A teenage boy is attracted to a female teacher. Without objective evidence, a school nurse overhears the boy state, 'I know she wants me.' This statement reflects which defense mechanism?

  • A. Displacement
  • B. Projection
  • C. Rationalization
  • D. Sublimation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Projection. The nurse should determine that the client's statement reflects the defense mechanism of projection. Projection refers to the attribution of one's unacceptable feelings or impulses to another person. In this case, the boy is projecting his own desires onto the female teacher, believing that she wants him. By externalizing his feelings, the boy reduces his anxiety and discomfort about his own attraction. Displacement involves transferring emotions from one target to another, not attributing one's own feelings to others. Rationalization involves creating logical explanations for unacceptable behaviors, not projecting feelings onto others. Sublimation is the channeling of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable actions, which is not demonstrated in this scenario.