A nurse at a college campus mental health counseling center is caring for a student who just failed an examination. The student spends the session berating the teacher and the course. The nurse should recognize this behavior as which of the following defense mechanisms?
- A. Conversion
- B. Projection
- C. Undoing
- D. Regression
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Projection involves attributing one’s own feelings or faults to others.
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A nurse is caring for an older adult client who had a cerebrovascular accident and has right-sided paralysis and aphasia. The client's son tells the nurse it is his fault because he did not insist that his mother live with him. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "So, it seems that you feel responsible for what happened to your mother."
- B. "Your mother will be fine. You shouldn't worry so much."
- C. "Why do you blame yourself? You could not have prevented the stroke."
- D. "You are not responsible for your mother's stroke, but many people in your situation feel this way."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
A is the correct response because it acknowledges the son's feelings without dismissing or invalidating them. It shows empathy and understanding towards his guilt, opening up a conversation for further exploration of his emotions. It reflects active listening and validates his concerns.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: This response minimizes the son's feelings and does not address his sense of guilt, which can further exacerbate his emotional distress.
C: While this response provides reassurance, it does not address the son's feelings of guilt and may come off as dismissive.
D: This response acknowledges the son's feelings but does not directly validate his sense of responsibility, missing an opportunity for therapeutic communication.
A nurse in a mental health facility is interacting with a client who is angry and becoming increasingly aggressive. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Move the client to a private area so the conversation will not be disturbed.
- B. Use clarification to determine what the client is feeling.
- C. Speak to the client using an authoritative voice.
- D. Maintain constant eye contact with the client.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Moving the client to a private area ensures privacy, reduces stimulation, and promotes a sense of safety, which can help de-escalate the situation. It also prevents the client from feeling embarrassed or judged by others, allowing for more open communication. This approach prioritizes the client's emotional well-being and safety.
Summary:
B: While clarification is important for understanding the client's emotions, it may not be the most immediate action needed in a potentially escalating situation.
C: Speaking authoritatively may further agitate the client and escalate the situation.
D: Maintaining constant eye contact could be perceived as confrontational and may escalate aggression.
A nurse is caring for a client who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Dismissal of past failures
- B. Psychomotor agitation
- C. An increase in energy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Psychomotor agitation. In major depressive disorder, psychomotor agitation is a common symptom characterized by restlessness, pacing, fidgeting, or hand-wringing. This is due to the increased inner tension and anxiety experienced by the individual. Dismissal of past failures (A) is not a typical finding in major depressive disorder, as individuals often dwell on negative thoughts. An increase in energy (C) is unlikely, as fatigue and low energy levels are more common in depression. The other choices are not provided, but it's important to remember that psychomotor agitation can be a key indicator in identifying major depressive disorder.
A nurse is caring for a client who has cancer and is scheduled for immediate chemotherapy. The client tells the nurse that she wants to try nontraditional treatments first. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
- A. "Using nontraditional treatments is not a good idea. I'd rather you avoid that route."
- B. "Your provider is very knowledgeable. If he prescribes chemotherapy, it's the best treatment for you."
- C. "A lot of people think nontraditional treatments will work, and they find out too late that they made the wrong choice."
- D. "Tell me more about your concerns about taking chemotherapy."
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Exploring the client’s concerns helps build trust and encourages shared decision-making.
A nurse is caring for a client who has schizophrenia who consistently does the opposite of what the nurse asks of him. The nurse recognizes this as which of the following alterations in behavior?
- A. Automatic obedience
- B. Waxy flexibility
- C. Negativism
- D. Impaired impulse control
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Negativism. Negativism is a behavior where the client does the opposite of what is asked or expected. In this case, the client with schizophrenia consistently does the opposite of what the nurse asks, which aligns with negativism. Automatic obedience (A) is when a client complies without question, waxy flexibility (B) is characterized by maintaining limbs in the position they are placed in, and impaired impulse control (D) involves difficulty controlling impulses, none of which fit the scenario described.