What therapeutic approach should a nurse take when addressing a client’s defense mechanism of displacement?

The correct therapeutic approach when addressing a client’s defense mechanism of displacement is to guide the client in anger management techniques. Displacement occurs when a person redirects their emotions or feelings, often anger, from the original source to a safer target. In this context, a client might be unable to express their anger towards a person or situation that is directly creating these feelings and instead projects that anger onto a more manageable or less threatening target.

By guiding the client in anger management techniques, the nurse helps the client to recognize and understand their feelings of anger, teaching them healthier ways to express and cope with these emotions. This approach not only validates the client's emotional experiences but also provides them with tools to manage their reactions in a constructive manner. Such techniques may include deep-breathing exercises, cognitive restructuring to challenge negative thoughts, or developing assertiveness skills to express feelings appropriately.

This method aligns with therapeutic principles, as it empowers clients to take control of their emotional reactions rather than displacing them, which can lead to maladaptive interactions and unresolved emotional conflicts.