Does any one have any tips for psychiatric nursing and learning defense mechanisms

i am getting ready for my psych mid-term, in two weeks. i am having trouble answering the psych questions, meaning picking the best answer. the ones that really get me are the ones involving the defense mechanisms because there are a few that are quite similar.

i have made note cards, study my disk from my nclex prep book, med/surg book and the end of chapter questions. i still feel that i am really weak in knowing exactly what defense mechanism is being used and just psych questions in general.

i recently purchased and am waiting for reviews and rationales for mental health nursing and i have nursing in a flash for psychiatric nursing. does anyone know of any resources where i can sharpen my skills in identifying defense mechanisms?

i would greatly apprecitae any suggestions!!! Last edit by Holland4500 on Sep 30, '10
I liked, as a great pocket reference:Psych Notes, Clinical Pocket Guide, by Darlene D. Pederson. It's a great condensation of (basically) what you need to know for a psych rotation. It covers assessments, disorders/interventions, drugs/labs, therapeutic/crisis interventions, substance use, and client/family education. It also covers defense mechanisms, giving examples. Good luck!

All of the new grads swear by the above mentioned book. Especially the RNs who are writing more care plans.