Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions Related

Review Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice Questions related questions and content

When under stress, a client routinely uses an excessive amount of alcohol. Finding her drunk, her husband yells at her about the chronic alcohol abuse. Which reaction should the nurse recognize as the use of the defense mechanism of denial?

  • A. Hiding liquor bottles in a closet
  • B. Yelling at their son for slouching in his chair
  • C. Burning dinner on purpose
  • D. Saying to the spouse, I dont drink too much!
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the client is using denial as a defense mechanism to cope with the stress of being confronted about her alcohol abuse. By saying "I don't drink too much," she is refusing to acknowledge the reality of her excessive alcohol consumption. This denial allows her to avoid facing the uncomfortable truth and the need for change.

A: Hiding liquor bottles in a closet is an example of a defense mechanism called displacement, not denial.
B: Yelling at their son for slouching in his chair is an example of a defense mechanism called projection, not denial.
C: Burning dinner on purpose is an example of a defense mechanism called passive-aggression, not denial.