A nurse is evaluating the psychosocial responses of several clients on a medical-surgical unit. Pair each documented clinical observation or client statement with the specific defense mechanism it best demonstrates.
- A client angry at the healthcare provider for a surgical delay yells at the dietary aide about the temperature of the food.Displacement
- A client who feels deep resentment toward a demanding older parent speaks with exaggerated, overly sweet devotion about how much they adore caregiving.Reaction formation
- A client struggling with unacknowledged hostility toward the treatment team files a complaint claiming that the nurses are constantly angry and aggressive.Projection
- A client who recently received a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease states, 'I will worry about my dialysis schedule after my daughter's wedding this weekend.'Suppression
Answer
The client yelling at the aide demonstrates displacement. The client with exaggerated devotion demonstrates reaction formation. The client claiming nurses are angry demonstrates projection. The client delaying thoughts about dialysis demonstrates suppression.
Each clinical observation accurately corresponds to a distinct psychiatric defense mechanism. Displacement shifts emotion to a substitute target. Reaction formation expresses the opposite of true feelings. Projection attributes one's own feelings onto others. Suppression consciously delays processing a stressor.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Defense and Coping Mechanisms