The nurse is aware that after a patient has an argument with the patient's spouse, the patient becomes verbally abusive to the nurse who is providing care. Which coping mechanism does the nurse recognize the patient is exhibiting?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Displacement is a defense mechanism where an individual redirects emotional feelings, often anger, from the original source to another, safer target. In this scenario, the patient is redirecting anger from the argument with the spouse to the nurse, which is a classic example of displacement.

The Nurse Is Aware That After a Patient Has an Argument