A fourth-grade boy teases and makes jokes about a cute girl in his class. This behavior should be identified by a nurse as indicative of which defense mechanism?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Projection is a defense mechanism in which an individual attributes their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or impulses onto someone else. In this scenario, the fourth-grade boy is teasing and making jokes about the cute girl in his class. By doing so, he may be projecting his own insecurities or feelings of attraction onto the girl by teasing her instead of confronting his own emotions. This behavior allows him to disown his feelings and avoid acknowledging them within himself.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should recognize Generalized anxiety disorder as a DSM-5 disorder. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) is a widely used classification system for psychiatric disorders. Generalized anxiety disorder is a specific mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and anxiety that is difficult to control. It meets the criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for diagnosis and classification as a mental disorder. Obesity, hypertension, and grief are not classified as DSM-5 disorders.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In assessing a client experiencing moderate anxiety, the nurse should observe for manifestations that align with anxiety symptoms. Fidgeting is a common physical manifestation of anxiety and restlessness. In this scenario, the correct answer is A because fidgeting often accompanies anxiety as a way for the individual to release excess energy or nervousness. Laughing inappropriately (option B) can be a defense mechanism or a sign of disconnection from reality, typically seen in severe anxiety or other mental health conditions like schizophrenia, not moderate anxiety. Palpitations (option C) are more commonly associated with panic attacks or higher levels of anxiety rather than moderate anxiety, where physical symptoms may not be as pronounced. Nail biting (option D) can be a sign of nervousness, but it is not specific to anxiety and can also occur in various situations unrelated to anxiety. Educationally, understanding the specific manifestations of anxiety at different levels can help nurses accurately assess and intervene appropriately in mental health settings. Recognizing these symptoms aids in providing effective care and support for clients experiencing anxiety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In Mahler's developmental theory, the differentiation subphase occurs around 7 to 10 months of age. During this phase, infants begin to differentiate between themselves and their primary caregiver (usually the mother). The fact that the 9-month-old child smiles and reaches for the daycare caregiver when the mother brings them to daycare indicates that the child is starting to recognize and distinguish between different caregivers in their environment. This behavior aligns with the characteristics of the differentiation subphase, where the child starts to show more individuality and separateness from the primary caregiver.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In interpersonal theory, a nurse should associate the underlying concept of the effects of social processes on personality development when assessing clients. This theory emphasizes how social interactions and relationships shape an individual's personal development and behavior. By understanding how these social processes influence a person's experiences and perceptions, a nurse can gain valuable insights into the client's needs and challenges. This, in turn, enables the nurse to provide more holistic and effective care tailored to the client's specific circumstances and interpersonal dynamics.