A patient who had abdominal surgery has been hospitalized for 4 days.He has no history of psychiatric disorder but is described by his family as having "always been a difficult person who blames others for everything that goes wrong." From the day of admission,he has verbally abused the nurses for their inability to provide care that keeps him pain free and comfortable.Which history most likely explains this style of coping?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Patients whose personality style causes them to externalize blame see the source of their discomfort and anxiety as being outside themselves-in others or in the environment.In this case,the patient displaces anger about his illness and resulting discomfort,and his distress is blamed on the nurses.This dynamic is supported by the patient's history.The other options are not supported or are less likely to have a bearing on his behavior.

A Patient Who Had Abdominal Surgery Has Been Hospitalized for 4