A client who just received a diagnosis of a terminal illness begins to meticulously plan a lavish, expensive world trip, stating, "I've always wanted to see the world, and now I have the perfect excuse!" This behavior most likely represents which defense mechanism?

The correct answer to the question "A client who just received a diagnosis of a terminal illness begins to meticulously plan a lavish, expensive world trip, stating, "I've always wanted to see the world, and now I have the perfect excuse!" This behavior most likely represents which defense mechanism?" is Option C: Denial.

The other options — A) Regression, B) Sublimation, D) Rationalization — are incorrect for this NCLEX-RN Exam Prep question. As explained above: Denial is a defense mechanism where an individual refuses to accept or acknowledge a painful reality or fact. The client is avoiding the emotional impact of the terminal diagnosis by focusing on an u…