Question

A nurse is caring for a pt who has borderline personality disorder. the client says, "the nurse on the evening shift is always nice! you are the meanest nurse ever!" the nurse should recognize the client's statement as an example of which of the following defense mechanisms?

a. regression
B. splitting
C. Undoing
D. identification

Answer 1

The nurse should recognize the client's statement as an example of splitting, a defense mechanism typical in borderline personality disorder that involves viewing others or oneself as entirely good or bad.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should recognize the client's statement as an example of splitting, which is a defense mechanism commonly associated with borderline personality disorder.

Splitting involves viewing others or oneself as all good or all bad, failing to integrate the positive and negative qualities of oneself and others into a cohesive whole. This black-and-white thinking prevents the individual from experiencing ambivalence and understanding the complexity of human relationships.