A client who asked for and was refused a pass to leave the unit left the nurse's station and went ...

ANS: D
Denial involves an unconscious process of escaping an unpleasant reality by ignoring its existence;
in this case the client ignores his true feelings. Option A: Reaction formation is an unconscious
process that would call for displaying a feeling that is the opposite of anger. Option B:
Rationalization involves justifying illogical or unreasonable ides, actions, or feelings by developing
acceptable explanations that satisfy the listener and the self. Option C: Compensation requires
unconsciously making up for perceived deficits by excelling in another area to maintain self-esteem.