Nursing Elites

1. A client is under a great deal of stress. Which nursing recommendation would be least helpful in assisting the client in coping with stress? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Enjoy a pet.
• B. Spend time with a loved one.
• C. Listen to music.
• D. Focus on the stressors.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Focusing on the stressors can exacerbate stress levels in the client's life rather than helping to cope with it. Engaging in activities such as enjoying a pet, spending time with loved ones, and listening to music are known to be stress-relieving and can aid in coping with stress. It is essential to encourage strategies that promote relaxation and positive emotions, rather than fixating on the stressors that may worsen the client's condition. Therefore, 'Focus on the stressors' is the least helpful recommendation as it does not contribute to stress management.

2. Which is a correct evaluation of the new psychiatric nurse's statement regarding a client's use of defense mechanisms?

• A. Defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and need not be eliminated.
• B. Defense mechanisms are a maladaptive attempt by the ego to manage anxiety and should always be eliminated.
• C. Defense mechanisms, used by individuals with weak ego integrity, should be discouraged but not eliminated.
• D. Defense mechanisms cause disintegration of the ego and should be fostered and encouraged.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct evaluation is that defense mechanisms can be self-protective responses to stress and do not necessarily need to be eliminated. These mechanisms serve the purpose of reducing anxiety during times of stress. While some defense mechanisms may be maladaptive, they can also help individuals cope with challenging situations. It is essential for the nurse to recognize that addressing defense mechanisms should be done sensitively, as they may be crucial for the client's emotional regulation. Encouraging the development of healthy coping skills while acknowledging the role of defense mechanisms in managing stress is a balanced approach in psychiatric care. Choice B is incorrect because completely eliminating defense mechanisms is not always feasible or beneficial. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the relationship between defense mechanisms and ego integrity. Choice D is incorrect as it misrepresents the role of defense mechanisms in ego functions.

3. During an admission assessment and interview, which channels of information communication should the nurse be monitoring? Select one that doesn't apply.

• A. Auditory
• B. Visual
• C. Written
• D. Tactile

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During an admission assessment and interview, nurses should monitor auditory, visual, and tactile channels of communication. Written communication is not typically monitored during a face-to-face interview or assessment, making it the correct choice that doesn't apply in this scenario.

4. A client has a history of excessive drinking, which has led to multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI). The client states, 'I work hard to provide for my family. I don't see why I can't drink to relax.' The nurse recognizes the use of which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Rationalization
• C. Regression
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should recognize that the client is using rationalization, a common defense mechanism. Rationalization involves creating logical reasons to justify unacceptable feelings or behaviors. In this scenario, the client is justifying excessive drinking by linking it to hard work and the need for relaxation, masking the true underlying issue of alcohol abuse. Projection involves attributing one's thoughts or feelings to others, regression involves reverting to an earlier stage of development, and sublimation involves channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities, none of which are demonstrated in the client's statement.

5. A 10-year-old boy breaks his mother's vase while playing. When the mother asks who broke the vase, the little boy says that his sister did it. The little boy is exhibiting which defense mechanism?

• A. Projection
• B. Displacement
• C. Dissociation
• D. Sublimation

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism where one attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto another person. In this scenario, the little boy is projecting his actions onto his sister by falsely claiming she broke the vase. Displacement involves transferring emotions from the original source to a substitute target. Dissociation is a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. Sublimation is the redirection of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities.

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