A 14-year-old client on the eating disorders unit refuses to eat her meals and says to the nurse on the unit, 'You can't make me eat! There is nothing wrong with me.' The nurse will assess this as use of which defense mechanism?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Denial. Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to acknowledge reality to avoid discomfort. In this scenario, the client is denying the seriousness of their situation by refusing to eat and claiming there is nothing wrong. Repression (A) involves unconsciously blocking out unpleasant thoughts or feelings. Rationalization (B) is creating logical explanations to justify behavior. Sublimation (C) is redirecting negative impulses into positive behaviors. In this case, denial is the most fitting defense mechanism as the client is refusing to accept the reality of their eating disorder.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bulimia. Individuals with bulimia nervosa typically have a normal or slightly above average body weight due to the cycle of binge eating and purging behaviors. This is because they consume large amounts of food during binges but then engage in compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. In contrast, choices A (Pica) and D (Anorexia nervosa) are associated with low body weight. Choice C (Obesity) is characterized by excess body weight. Bulimia is the only disorder in the list where individuals can have a normal or slightly above average body weight due to the nature of their eating behaviors.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Step 2: Patients often use strict control over food intake as a way to cope with underlying emotional issues. Step 3: Maintaining a sense of control is crucial in managing anorexia nervosa as it addresses the core psychological aspects driving the disorder. Step 4: Managing weight gain (A) is not the primary focus as patients may resist gaining weight due to their fear. Step 5: Controlling personal stressors (B) may be important but does not address the underlying issue of control related to food and body. Step 6: Avoiding social interactions (D) does not address the core psychological need for control and can further isolate the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.