When under stress, a client routinely uses alcohol to excess. When the client's husband finds her drunk, the husband yells at the client about her chronic alcohol abuse. Which action alerts the nurse to the client's use of the defense mechanism of denial?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client's statement "I don't drink too much!" is an example of denial, which is when an individual refuses to acknowledge the reality of a situation. The hiding of liquor bottles (A) is an example of concealment, yelling at her son (B) is an example of displacement, and purposefully burning dinner (C) is an example of passive aggression.

When Under Stress, a Client Routinely Uses Alcohol to Excess