A patient tells the nurse that she recently lost her job but is doing well because she has the time now to catch up with things at home and can search for a better job. The nurse realizes this patient is demonstrating:

Question

1. Coping.
2. Denial.
3. Avoidance.
4. Delusional thinking.

Answer 1

Coping.

Rationale: Coping mechanisms help deal with stressful events. The patient recently lost her job but has found things to keep herself occupied while she searches for new employment. This patient views the stressful event as an opportunity to get caught up with home activities while being positive in a new job search. The patient is not denying the loss of a job or avoiding the need to find a new job. The patient is not demonstrating delusional thinking.