Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
A daughter is concerned that her mother is in denial when discussing her diagnosis of breast cancer because she sometimes says that breast cancer isn't that serious and changes the subject. The nurse informs the daughter that denial can be a healthy defense mechanism if it is used:
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Denial can be healthy if it allows the client to maintain normal roles (e.g., as a mother) while gradually processing the diagnosis, as long as it doesn't interfere with treatment.