Clinical Medical Assistant Certification Exam Practice Question
When a patient with hypertension is questioned about whether he has been taking his medication, he says, "The problem is all my mother's fault. She had hypertension, too." Which of the following defense mechanisms is the patient exhibiting?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The patient is exhibiting rationalization by attributing his hypertension to his mother's condition, thereby justifying his own behavior and avoiding personal responsibility.
- **Compensation (A)** involves offsetting perceived deficiencies by emphasizing strengths in other areas, which is not evident here.
- **Denial (B)** would imply refusing to acknowledge the reality of his condition, which he does not do.
- **Projection (C)** involves attributing one's own unacceptable thoughts or feelings to others, rather than blaming them for one's own issues.
- **Regression (E)** refers to reverting to earlier behaviors when faced with stress, which is not applicable in this scenario.
Thus, rationalization is the most fitting defense mechanism in this context.
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