A female patient is admitted to the emergency department after being raped by a neighbor. The patient refuses to discuss the circumstances surrounding the event with the sexual assault nurse examiner. The nurse identifies that the patient is utilizing which defense mechanism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Suppression is the conscious decision to conceal unacceptable or painful thoughts. The patient refuses to talk about the rape possibly because of the emotional and physical pain associated with the act. Sublimation is the rechanneling of unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. Displacement is an unconscious defense mechanism used to avoid conflict and anxiety by transferring emotions from one object to another object that produces less anxiety. Rationalization is the act of suggesting a different explanation for one that is painful, negative, or unacceptable.

A Female Patient Is Admitted to the Emergency Department After