A practical nurse (PN) is reviewing the charts of four different clients who are experiencing significant health changes. Match each client's statement or behavior (on the left) to the specific ego defense mechanism it best demonstrates (on the right).
- "There must be a mistake with my chart. I am perfectly healthy and do not have cirrhosis."Denial
- "I only missed my physical therapy session because the hospital bed is too uncomfortable for me to get a good night's sleep."Rationalization
- Forcefully throwing a water pitcher at the wall immediately after the provider informs the client that their vision loss is permanent.Displacement
- Creating detailed spreadsheets to track the exact milligram dosages of all medications while refusing to discuss the emotional impact of the illness.Intellectualization
Answer
The correct matches are: denying the cirrhosis diagnosis is Denial; making excuses for missing therapy is Rationalization; throwing the pitcher is Displacement; and tracking medication data to avoid emotions is Intellectualization.
Each behavior specifically aligns with the definition of a distinct defense mechanism: denial is the refusal to accept reality, rationalization is formulating acceptable excuses, displacement is shifting emotions to a safer target, and intellectualization is relying on logic to detach from emotions.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Defense Mechanisms