When a client's spouse dies following a risky surgical procedure, the client lashes out, accuses the doctor of "killing my spouse." This is an example of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Displacement is shifting an emotion from one person to another who is less threatening. The client might be angry at the spouse for dying and leaving the client alone or might be angry at a higher being, such as God, for taking the spouse away. Thus, the client takes her anger out on the doctor, who is available. Denial is refusing to believe something is true. Conversion is changing one thing into another. Compensation is substituting one thing for another.

When a Client's Spouse Dies Following a Risky Surgical Procedure