ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A female nurse discusses a concern related to client care with a male physician. Which communication strategy, if used by the nurse, is most effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, using a direct approach with succinct sentences. This strategy is most effective as it conveys the nurse's concern clearly and efficiently, facilitating better understanding and communication with the physician. Being direct helps to address the issue promptly and allows for a more focused discussion. Choice A, assuming a subservient role, is incorrect as it may lead to a power imbalance and hinder effective communication. Choice C, asking questions instead of making recommendations, could be less effective in conveying the urgency or importance of the concern. Choice D, being polite and expecting politeness, is important but not sufficient for effective communication in this context.
Question 2 of 9
When a patient begins crying during a conversation with the nurse about the patient's upcoming surgery for possible malignancy, the nurse's most therapeutic response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. This response acknowledges the patient's emotions, offers support, and provides an opportunity for the patient to express their feelings. Offering a tissue shows empathy and readiness to listen. Sitting with the patient shows availability and willingness to engage further. This response validates the patient's emotions and fosters a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's emotions and focuses on the surgeon rather than the patient. Choice B is incorrect as it ignores the patient's emotional distress and focuses on a non-essential issue. Choice C is incorrect as it invalidates the patient's feelings and suggests avoidance rather than addressing the emotions directly.
Question 3 of 9
A patient reports to the nurse, "My doctor is not doing anything about my pain." Which response by the nurse is assertive and expresses warmth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's feelings without judgment and expresses empathy. The nurse reflects the patient's emotions by stating, "You seem frustrated with your doctor," showing understanding. Option A is dismissive, suggesting the patient change doctors. Option B assumes the patient's feelings and could come off as confrontational. Option C is accusatory and could make the patient defensive. Overall, option D is assertive, warm, and empathetic, making it the best response in this situation.
Question 4 of 9
Behaviors that indicate to the patient that the nurse is inattentive to the patient's concerns are such activities as: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer, A, is turning back to straighten the bedside table while the patient is talking. This behavior indicates the nurse is not fully engaged in the conversation and prioritizing a task over the patient. Tapping feet or fingers (B) could just be a habit and may not necessarily indicate inattentiveness. Sitting down with arms crossed (C) could be a sign of being defensive but not necessarily inattentive. Leaving a hand on the door (D) could be a signal of readiness to leave but not a direct indicator of inattentiveness.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse cares for elderly clients in an assisted living center. Which action by the nurse would best show respect for these clients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because listening to the elderly clients to identify their healthcare needs demonstrates respect by valuing their input and autonomy. This approach fosters a collaborative and client-centered care environment. Choice A is incorrect as patronizing clients undermines their dignity. Choice C may be seen as impersonal and distant. Choice D is disrespectful as it restricts clients' autonomy and diminishes their voice. Listening and considering clients' needs is crucial in providing respectful care to the elderly population.
Question 6 of 9
According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, nurses are also exposed to this type of behavior within their professional environment. In teaching the possibility to an incoming graduate nurse, you know that the nurse understands when he or she includes which of the following as abusive conduct? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Threats. Threats are considered abusive conduct in the context of workplace bullying. Nurses may be subjected to threats that create a hostile work environment. Threats can instill fear and distress in the victim, affecting their well-being and performance. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Humiliation - While humiliation is a form of abuse, the question specifically asks about abusive conduct in the context of workplace bullying for nurses. C: Intimidation - Intimidation is another form of abusive behavior, but the question focuses on identifying abusive conduct in the workplace environment for nurses. D: Physical abuse - While physical abuse is a serious issue, the question pertains to identifying abusive conduct within the professional environment for nurses, where physical abuse may not be as common as other forms of bullying behavior.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient with a terminal illness. Which way would be the most therapeutic for the nurse to communicate with this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Demonstrate understanding with empathy. This approach is the most therapeutic as it shows the nurse's genuine care and support for the patient, fostering a sense of trust and emotional connection. By empathizing, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and provides comfort without judgment. A: Using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Acknowledging hope by expressions of sympathy is important but may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs. D: Consistently evaluating the patient's feelings is important, but without demonstrating empathy, it may come across as clinical and detached. In summary, choice B is the best approach as it prioritizes empathy and understanding, essential components in providing effective therapeutic communication.
Question 8 of 9
A client has high blood pressure and needs to learn about a low-sodium diet. Which question if asked by the client would be an indirect request for information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client is indirectly asking for information on how to make food taste better without explicitly mentioning the need for low-sodium options. By inquiring about making food taste better, the client is seeking alternative ways to enhance flavor without salt, which aligns with the goal of following a low-sodium diet. Choices A, C, and D are more direct in addressing specific aspects of a low-sodium diet, such as food preparation without salt, dietary changes for blood pressure control, and identifying high-sodium foods to avoid, respectively.
Question 9 of 9
The home health nurse cares for a patient who is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which response(s) and behavior(s) by the nurse would indicate that bonding between nurse and patient has occurred? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because actively listening to the patient describe their feelings of anxiety related to severe dyspnea demonstrates empathy and a deeper connection between the nurse and patient. This behavior shows understanding and support, fostering trust and rapport. It indicates that the nurse is attentive to the patient's emotional needs, which is essential for effective care in chronic conditions like COPD. Option A is incorrect because expecting the patient to meet exercise goals set by the nurse does not necessarily indicate bonding. It may reflect a more authoritative approach rather than a collaborative relationship. Option C, while important for individualized education, does not specifically indicate bonding unless it involves understanding the patient's preferences on a personal level. Option D is incorrect because refraining from touching the patient may be necessary in some situations, but it does not directly relate to establishing a bond.