Author Question: Although ego defense mechanisms and security operations are mainly unconscious and designed to ... (Read 85 times)

notis · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Although ego defense mechanisms and security operations are mainly unconscious and designed to relieve anxiety, the major difference is that:

a. defense mechanisms are intrapsychic and not observable.
b. defense mechanisms cause arrested personal development.
c. security operations are masterminded by the id and superego.
d. security operations address interpersonal relationship activities.

Question 2

A student nurse says, I don't need to interact with my patients. I learn what I need to know by observation. An instructor can best interpret the nursing implications of Sullivan's theory to this student by responding:

a. Interactions are required in order to help you develop therapeutic communication skills.
b. Nurses cannot be isolated. We must interact to provide patients with opportunities to practice interpersonal skills.
c. Observing patient interactions will help you formulate priority nursing diagnoses and appropriate interventions.
d. It is important to pay attention to patients' behavioral changes, because these signify adjustments in personality.

dreamfighter72 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Sullivan's theory explains that security operations are interpersonal relationship activities designed to relieve anxiety. Because they are interpersonal, they are observable. Defense mechanisms are unconscious and automatic. Repression is entirely intrapsychic, but other mechanisms result in observable behaviors. Frequent, continued use of many defense mechanisms often results in reality distortion and interference with healthy adjustment and emotional development. Occasional use of defense mechanisms is normal and does not markedly interfere with development. Security operations are ego-centered. This item relates to an audience response question.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
The nurse's role includes educating patients and assisting them in developing effective interpersonal relationships. Mutuality, respect for the patient, unconditional acceptance, and empathy are cornerstones of Sullivan's theory. The nurse who does not interact with the patient cannot demonstrate these cornerstones. Observations provide only objective data. Priority nursing diagnoses usually cannot be accurately established without subjective data from the patient. The other distracters relate to Maslow and behavioral theory. This item relates to an audience response question.