Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship Related

Review Test Bank for Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice - Communication and the Therapeutic Relationship related questions and content

During an interview, a patient tells the nurse that he was recently let go from his job. As the interaction continues, the patient states, 'I was really overqualified for that position anyway. It was definitely below my area of expertise.' The nurse interprets this information as reflecting which of the following?

  • A. Denial
  • B. Intellectualization
  • C. Projection
  • D. Passive aggression
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Intellectualization involves using rational explanations to avoid emotional distress. The patient?s statement minimizes the job loss by focusing on being overqualified, distancing from the emotional impact. Denial avoids the reality, projection attributes feelings to others, and passive aggression expresses hostility indirectly.