A practical nurse (PN) is reviewing psychosocial data for several clients on a medical-surgical unit. Match each client statement or behavior to the specific ego defense mechanism being demonstrated.
- A client diagnosed with severe emphysema continues to smoke, stating, 'My grandfather smoked two packs a day until he was 90 and never had lung problems.'Rationalization
- A client who is terrified of their upcoming open-heart surgery calmly reads medical journals and explains the exact anatomical steps of the procedure to visitors.Intellectualization
- A client gets into a heated, shouting argument with the physical therapist, then later that afternoon offers to buy the therapist a coffee from the cafeteria.Undoing
- A client experiencing intense grief after a sudden pregnancy loss smiles brightly and tells everyone on the unit, 'I am just so incredibly joyful today!'Reaction Formation
Answer
The client justifying smoking matches Rationalization; the client reading surgical steps matches Intellectualization; the client offering coffee after an argument matches Undoing; and the grieving client expressing extreme joy matches Reaction Formation.
Each behavior specifically aligns with the psychiatric definitions of these defense mechanisms. Identifying these mechanisms allows the practical nurse to understand the root of the client's anxiety and plan therapeutic communication strategies to support their coping process.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Adaptive and Maladaptive Ego Defense Mechanisms