United States Medical Licensing Examination Free Sample Questions

Denial is the first stage of the Kübler-Ross grief model, characterized by the inability to accept the reality of loss. The patient's statement that 'This isn't real' and belief that her spouse will return demonstrates classic denial behavior. This defense mechanism temporarily shields the individual from the overwhelming reality of the loss, allowing psychological protection while the mind begins to process the trauma.

Compensation is a defense mechanism where an individual covers up perceived weaknesses by emphasizing strengths or achievements in other areas. The medical student acknowledges his weakness in anatomy but consistently highlights his superior clinical and communication skills to offset this deficiency. This adaptive mechanism helps maintain self-esteem while addressing areas of inadequacy.

Theta waves (4-8 Hz) are characteristic of light sleep stages (N1) and are predominant in individuals who are light sleepers or have frequent sleep disruptions. Light sleepers spend more time in theta wave-dominated stages and less time in deeper delta wave sleep, leading to frequent awakenings and poor sleep quality. This explains the patient's unrested feeling despite adequate time in bed.

Independent sitting typically develops around 6 months of age, with a normal range of 5-7 months. This milestone represents significant neuromotor development including core strength, balance, and coordination. At 4 months, infants can usually sit with support, while independent sitting without support emerges around 6 months. The observed 7-month-old infant demonstrates age-appropriate motor development.

Object permanence is the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen, heard, or touched. This cognitive milestone typically develops between 12-24 months according to Piaget's sensorimotor stage. The toddler's behavior of searching for the hidden toy demonstrates mature object permanence, as he understands the car still exists under the chair despite being out of sight.

Projection is a defense mechanism where individuals attribute their own unacceptable thoughts, feelings, or behaviors to others. The teacher displays jealous and manipulative behaviors herself but accuses her colleagues of these same traits. This unconscious mechanism protects her ego by externalizing her own undesirable characteristics rather than acknowledging them within herself.