which client action is an example of the defense mechanism of displacement

ATI RN

ATI Mental Health

1. Which client action is an example of the defense mechanism of displacement?

A. A man kicks his dog after an argument with his boss.
B. A woman yells at her children after a stressful day at work.
C. A student immerses herself in studying to avoid thinking about a recent breakup.
D. A person channels aggressive impulses into playing a sport.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Displacement involves redirecting emotions, often anger or aggression, from their original source to a less threatening target. In this scenario, the woman redirects her frustration from work towards her children, who are perceived as less threatening and safer to express anger towards.

2. When interviewing a distressed client who was fired after 15 years of loyal employment, which of the following questions would best assist in determining the client's appraisal of the situation? Select all that apply.

A. What caused the stressful situation?
B. Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?
C. Who do you think is to blame for this situation?
D. Why do you think you were fired from your job?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The question 'Have you ever experienced a similar stressful situation?' is the most appropriate as it assesses the client's coping resources and encourages reflection on past experiences. This question can help the client consider alternative ways to deal with stress. Asking about the cause of the stressful situation may provide insight into the current situation but does not directly assess coping abilities. Inquiring about blame does not focus on coping strategies but may encourage negative thinking and a sense of victimization. Questioning why the client was fired is a nontherapeutic approach that can hinder communication by putting the client on the defensive.

3. A client is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and a nurse is planning care. Which of the following interventions should the nurse exclude from the care plan?

A. Allowing the client to perform rituals initially
B. Discouraging the client from washing their hands
C. Monitoring for suicidal ideation
D. Providing a structured schedule of activities

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is monitoring for suicidal ideation. When caring for a client with OCD, interventions should include allowing the client to perform rituals initially, setting limits on the time allowed for rituals, encouraging the client to verbalize feelings, and providing a structured schedule of activities. Monitoring for suicidal ideation is crucial in assessing the client's safety and mental health status, but it is not a direct intervention specific to managing OCD symptoms.

4. The school nurse has been alerted to the fact that an 8-year-old boy routinely playacts as a police officer, 'locking up' other children on the playground to the point where the children get scared. The nurse recognizes that this behavior is most likely an indication of:

A. The need to dominate others
B. Inventing traumatic events
C. A need to develop close relationships
D. A potential symptom of traumatization

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The behavior of an 8-year-old boy playacting as a police officer and 'locking up' other children to the point of scaring them is likely a symptom of traumatization. Children may reenact traumatic experiences through play, and acting out aggressive or controlling roles can be a sign of underlying trauma. This behavior should be further assessed and addressed with appropriate support and intervention to help the child process and cope with any potential trauma.

5. How do psychiatrists determine which diagnosis to give a patient?

A. Psychiatrists use pre-established criteria from the APA's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
B. Hospital policy dictates how psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders.
C. Psychiatrists assess the patient and identify diagnoses based on the patient's unhealthy responses and contributing factors.
D. The American Medical Association identifies 10 diagnostic labels that psychiatrists can choose from.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Psychiatrists use the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to determine diagnoses. The DSM-5 provides standardized criteria for the classification of mental disorders, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnosis and treatment. Choices B and D are inaccurate as hospital policy does not dictate psychiatric diagnoses, and the American Medical Association is not responsible for psychiatric diagnostic criteria. Choice C describes a more general approach to assessment and does not specifically address the standardized criteria used in psychiatric diagnosis.