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Difficulty: Very hardCoping Mechanisms

The practical nurse is assisting in data collection for several clients exhibiting various psychological responses to health crises. Match each client's specific clinical behavior or statement to the corresponding ego defense mechanism it best demonstrates.

  • A client who just learned their tumor is inoperable aggressively berates the clinical technician for taking their blood pressure too slowly.Displacement
  • A client grieving the unexpected loss of their newborn channels their profound sorrow into spearheading a statewide legislative campaign for enhanced maternity leave.Sublimation
  • A client repeatedly hospitalized for heart failure exacerbations explains, 'I only ate that cured meat because the facility nutritionist failed to provide me with a culturally appropriate diet guide.'Rationalization
  • A client newly diagnosed with a life-limiting neurological disorder detachedly recites peer-reviewed statistics about axonal degeneration pathways without expressing any emotional distress.Intellectualization

Answer

Berating the technician corresponds to Displacement. The legislative campaign corresponds to Sublimation. Blaming the nutritionist corresponds to Rationalization. Reciting clinical statistics corresponds to Intellectualization.
Each specific client scenario isolates a distinct psychological defense mechanism. Displacement accurately describes redirecting valid emotions to an unrelated safe target. Sublimation accurately captures the conversion of profound pain into highly productive societal contributions. Rationalization fits the creation of false justifications to avoid blame for medical noncompliance. Intellectualization perfectly describes the use of scientific facts to barricade against emotional distress.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client who is berating the clinical technician over a minor issue.
The anger originating from the inoperable tumor diagnosis is being taken out on a vulnerable third party.
This behavioral pattern defines displacement, which involves shifting emotion from a threatening entity to a safer substitute.
2
Evaluate the grieving client who is leading a legislative campaign.
Intense, potentially paralyzing grief is converted into an adaptive, socially beneficial advocacy role.
This process characterizes sublimation, which channels negative or painful energy into acceptable, positive outlets.
3
Assess the client who blames the nutritionist for eating a high-sodium meal.
The client invents an external justification for their personal dietary nonadherence.
This represents rationalization, the formulation of plausible but inaccurate excuses to protect one's self-esteem and avoid guilt.
4
Examine the client reciting peer-reviewed statistics regarding their own terminal disease.
The client utilizes complex, academic facts to create distance from the terrifying reality of their prognosis.
This illustrates intellectualization, the act of separating emotion from a threatening reality by focusing solely on logical or abstract details.

Key Concept

Identifying and distinguishing complex ego defense mechanisms in clinical practice.
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Coping Mechanisms

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