A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with a severed spinal cord injury at the T2 level.The patient has been in halo traction with immobilization for the past week.The patient states, "I can't wait until I can get on my feet and walk again." Which defense mechanism is present in this statement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Denial is an unconscious defense mechanism that reduces anxiety by eliminating or reducing the seriousness of the perceived threat.As with stress overload, PTSD is not a disordered response to stress resulting from a failure of a person's will, strength, endurance, or courage.Regression is an unconscious defense mechanism characterized by a retreat, in the face of stress, to behaviors characteristic of an earlier developmental level.Trust manifests itself in critical care patients' belief that the people they depend on will get them through the illness and will be able to manage any untoward event that might occur.

A Patient Has Been Admitted to the Critical Care Unit