A client recently admitted to an inpatient unit for treatment of alcoholism says to the nurse, "I only came here to get away from my nagging spouse. Sometimes I think my spouse is the one who should be here. I can stop drinking any time I want." The nurse recognizes that the client is exhibiting which of the following defense mechanisms?

Question

A client recently admitted to an inpatient unit for treatment of alcoholism says to the nurse, "I only came here to get away from my nagging spouse.  Sometimes I think my spouse is the one who should be here.  I can stop drinking any time I want."  The nurse recognizes that the client is exhibiting which of the following defense mechanisms?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

11ecbb05_cc39_997b_b433_bbb9b90c2e56_MD0009_00 Defense mechanisms are strategies or responses, usually unconscious, used by individuals to distance themselves from a full awareness of unpleasant thoughts, internal conflicts, and external stresses. Defense mechanisms protect the ego from threatening thoughts and anxiety. Denial is the refusal to accept the reality of threatening situations, or painful thoughts, feelings, or events. It is the most frequent defense mechanism used by clients with alcoholism; the client may deny that drinking is a significant problem and that any issues or problems can be handled alone. This client is also using projection by saying that the spouse should be hospitalized; projection involves placing one's own thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. (Options B, C, and D) Rationalization, regression, displacement, sublimation, and reaction formation are not the primary defense mechanisms used by the client. This client displays no symptoms of depression. Educational objective: The most common defense mechanism used by persons with alcoholism is denial, the refusal to accept the reality of threatening situations, or painful thoughts, feelings, or events. Projection involves placing one's own thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else.

A Client Recently Admitted to an Inpatient Unit for Treatment