A patient is mute, curled in a fetal position, and incontinent of urine.The patient eats small amounts only if spoon-fed.The nurse assesses this behavior as most indicative of what defense mechanism?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The behavior of being mute, curled in a fetal position, and incontinent of urine is indicative of regression, which is a defense mechanism where an individual retreats to a previous stage of development. The fact that the patient is only eating small amounts when spoon-fed also indicates regression as this is a behavior typically seen in infants.

A Patient Is Mute, Curled in a Fetal Position, and Incontinent