Author Question: An instructor is educating a group of nursing students on defense mechanisms. The instructor ... (Read 98 times)

crazycityslicker · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An instructor is educating a group of nursing students on defense mechanisms. The instructor determines that the education was successful when the group states which of the following?

A) Most defense mechanisms are considered to be maladaptive, regardless of the situation.
B) Defense mechanisms help mediate a person's response to emotional conflicts and external stressors.
C) Use of defense mechanisms indicates that a person's mental state is dysfunctional.
D) Persistent use of defense mechanisms commonly enhances a person's quality of life.

Question 2

A nurse is engaged in active listening. Which of the following would the nurse use? Select all that apply.

A) Changing the subject to gather more information
B) Responding indirectly to statements
C) Using open-ended statements
D) Concentrating on what the client says
E) Allowing the client to talk as he wishes

spencer.martell · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Defense mechanisms (also known as coping styles) are defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 as mechanisms that mediate the client's reaction to emotional conflicts and to external stressors. Some defense mechanisms (e.g., projection, splitting, acting out) are almost invariably maladaptive. Others (e.g., suppression, denial) may be either maladaptive or adaptive, depending on their severity, their inflexibility, and the context in which they occur. While defense mechanisms might seem to indicate the existence of a problematic mental state, this is not true. Healthy individuals in many different contexts use defense mechanisms. As with some other mental illnesses, the use of defense mechanisms becomes maladaptive when their persistent use reduces the client's quality of life. The degree to which a particular defense mechanism is maladaptive varies.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: B, C, D
Through active listening, the nurse focuses on what the client is saying to interpret and respond objectively to the message. While listening, the nurse concentrates only on what the client is saying and on the underlying meaning. The nurse usually responds indirectly, using techniques such as open-ended statements, reflection, and questions that elicit additional responses from the client. Changing the subject is avoided. Allowing the client to talk as he wishes reflects passive listening, which does not foster a therapeutic relationship.