Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What nursing diagnosis best relates to denial of physical disability six months post-injury?

1. Altered thought processes

2. Ineffective individual coping

3. Impaired social interaction

4. Deficient knowledge

The correct answer is: Ineffective individual coping

The nursing diagnosis that best relates to denial of physical disability six months post-injury is ineffective individual coping. This diagnosis reflects how the individual is struggling to manage the emotional and psychological responses to their physical condition, specifically indicating that they might not be processing their disability in a healthy manner. In the context of rehabilitation, denial can be a defense mechanism that prevents the patient from acknowledging their current limitations and adapting to their new reality. When an individual is unable to confront the reality of their condition, it hampers their ability to effectively cope with the changes and seek out the necessary support or interventions that would aid in their recovery. Recognizing the denial is crucial, as it indicates a breakdown in the coping process that can lead to further psychological distress or hinder progress in rehabilitation. The other diagnoses do not directly address the psychological state related to denial. For instance, altered thought processes might suggest a broader cognitive impairment, which is less specific to the issue of denial. Impaired social interaction could result from the denial but does not highlight the coping mechanism itself. Deficient knowledge implies a lack of understanding or information, which is different from the acceptance and adjustment that come with coping skills. Thus, ineffective individual coping is the most relevant diagnosis in this situation.