A client is served divorce papers while on the inpatient psychiatric unit.When the nurse tells the client that the unit telephone cannot be used after hours,the client raises his fists,swears,and spits at the nurse.Which negative coping mechanism is the client exhibiting?
A)The defense mechanism of projection
B)The defense mechanism of reaction formation
C)The defense mechanism of sublimation
D)The defense mechanism of displacement

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client is exhibiting the defense mechanism of displacement, which involves redirecting unacceptable feelings or impulses from the original target to a less threatening substitute target. The client is unable to express his anger towards his soon-to-be-ex spouse and instead directs it towards the nurse, who is a less threatening substitute target.

A Client Is Served Divorce Papers While on the Inpatient