The alcoholic patient says to the nurse, "I am not an alcoholic. I can quit any time I want to." The nurse recognizes that the patient is using which defense mechanism?
a. Repression
b. Denial
c. Rationalization
d. Intellectualization
B
Denial is ignoring reality in spite of hard evidence. Denial is a mechanism frequently used by substance abusers. Repression refers to unconsciously blocking an unwanted thought or memory from open expression. Rationalization attempts to justify a behavior or action by making an excuse or an explanation. Intellectualization is the excessive reasoning and logic to counter emo-tional distress.
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Which of these statements about the process of active listening is TRUE?
a. It is the behavior of listening and observing. b. It is processing client statements and answering questions while providing daily nursing care. c. It focuses on the client's nonverbal behavior. d. It takes specialized preparation.
Nurses working with abused clients most commonly feel:
1. Sadness for the victim, tolerance toward the abuser. 2. Sympathy for the victim, indifference toward the abuser. 3. Anger toward the victim, dislike for the abuser. 4. Sympathy for the victim, anger toward the abuser.
A client who has had a bone marrow transplant is being evaluated by the nurse 2 months post-procedure. The nurse concludes that goals have not been met when:
1. the client reports no joint pain. 2. the client is sleeping well at night. 3. the client has lost 5 pounds. 4. the client has a rash on the palms.
A nurse provides education for a patient who has just started taking buspirone (BuSpar)
The patient asks the nurse, "When should I expect to see an effect from the medication?" The nurse's best response would be based on the understanding that the effects of buspirone begin in most patients during which time frame? a. 3 days b. 24 to 48 hours c. 1 day d. 4 to 6 weeks