A nurse is caring for a client who has a personality disorder. Which of the following statements made by the client indicate they are coping with the maladaptive defense mechanism of displacement?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "The night shift nurse is terrible.": This is an example of displacement, where the client redirects feelings of anger or frustration from a more significant issue, such as personal conflict or stress, onto an unrelated person like the night shift nurse. B. "If I do what I am supposed to do, it will go away.": This statement reflects an attempt at problem-solving or avoidance rather than displacement. The client is trying to manage the situation directly by taking action, rather than transferring emotions. C. "I am so angry with my spouse.": This is a direct acknowledgment of the source of the distress (the spouse) and does not involve displacement. The client is openly expressing anger rather than redirecting it onto someone or something unrelated. D. "I don't know why I am here in the first place.": This reflects denial, where the client avoids recognizing the true reasons for being in treatment. The client is avoiding confronting their feelings or the situation but isn’t displaying displacement.