Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 82%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who reports that he is angry with his partner because she thinks he is just trying to gain attention. When the nurse attempts to talk to the client, he becomes angry and tells her to leave. Which of the following defense mechanisms is the client demonstrating?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Displacement. The client is displacing his anger towards his partner onto the nurse by becoming angry and telling her to leave. Displacement is a defense mechanism where one redirects an emotion from its original source to a less threatening target. In this case, the client is unable to express his anger towards his partner directly, so he directs it towards the nurse. Rationalization (B) is creating logical explanations for behavior, not applicable here. Denial (C) is refusing to accept reality, which is not demonstrated. Compensation (D) is making up for a perceived weakness by emphasizing a strength, not relevant in this scenario.