ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication 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: Use a direct approach with succinct sentences. This is the most effective communication strategy because it promotes clear and concise communication, which is essential when discussing concerns related to client care. By using a direct approach, the nurse can effectively convey her message to the physician without any confusion or ambiguity. Choice A is incorrect because assuming a subservient role can undermine the nurse's professionalism and confidence. Choice C is incorrect because asking questions instead of making recommendations may not effectively address the concern at hand. Choice D is incorrect because politeness alone may not ensure effective communication if the message is not clearly articulated.
Question 2 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. Threats can create a hostile work environment and harm the well-being of nurses. Humiliation, intimidation, and physical abuse are also forms of abusive conduct, but in this specific question, the focus is on identifying the behavior that constitutes abuse within the professional environment for nurses. Therefore, while humiliation, intimidation, and physical abuse are indeed harmful behaviors, threats specifically align with the definition of abusive conduct as outlined by the Workplace Bullying Institute in the context of workplace bullying among nurses.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient with urinary incontinence after a stroke. Which response by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates empathy, offers support, and involves the patient in the care plan. The nurse acknowledges the patient's feelings, shows willingness to collaborate on a solution, and promotes empowerment through bladder retraining. Choice B is incorrect as it dismisses the patient's feelings and is unprofessional. Choice C, although somewhat supportive, lacks active involvement in addressing the issue. Choice D does not promote independence or address the patient's emotional needs.
Question 4 of 9
Which demonstrates the nurse's genuine concern for clients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informing the patient about a medication error and symptoms to report demonstrates transparency, honesty, and prioritizing the patient's safety and well-being. It shows genuine concern by ensuring the patient is informed and involved in their care. Choice A is incorrect as it provides false reassurance. Choice B is incorrect as delaying notification can harm the patient emotionally and undermine trust. Choice C is incorrect as it involves deception and risks the patient's well-being for assessment purposes.
Question 5 of 9
A nurse manager asks a colleague for advice on strategies to improve communication with staff nurses. Which response by the nurse manager's colleague is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it provides a comprehensive approach to improving communication by emphasizing sensitivity, respect, and genuineness. Sensitivity shows empathy towards staff nurses, respect fosters a positive and professional environment, and genuineness builds trust. Choice B is too simplistic and may not address underlying communication issues. Choice C, while promoting empathy, is impractical and may not address communication challenges effectively. Choice D's focus on avoiding emotions overlooks the importance of emotional intelligence in effective communication. In summary, choice A encompasses key elements essential for fostering effective communication in a healthcare setting.
Question 6 of 9
A 67-year-old woman had major abdominal surgery yesterday. She has IV lines, a urinary catheter, and an abdominal wound dressing, and she is receiving PRN pain medication. The end of shift report that best conveys the patient status is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides the most detailed and comprehensive information about the patient's status, including specific details about the abdominal dressing, IV fluid status, urine output, pain management, comfort level, and vital signs. This level of detail is crucial for understanding the patient's condition post-surgery. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specific details regarding the patient's clinical status. Choice B is more detailed but still lacks key information such as urine output and specific pain medication doses. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses more on non-clinical information and does not provide essential details about the patient's medical condition. In summary, choice C is correct because it offers a thorough and detailed overview of the patient's medical status, making it the most appropriate choice for an end-of-shift report in a healthcare setting.
Question 7 of 9
When communicating with an aphasic patient, the nurse appropriately:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because assuming the patient can understand shows respect and preserves their dignity. Speaking slowly and clearly allows the patient more time to process information. Choice A is incorrect as shouting may further confuse the patient. Choice C is incorrect as direct communication with the patient is essential.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse greets a patient who is admitted to the hospital. Which action by the nurse displays warmth and concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because using a soft and relaxed tone of voice conveys warmth and concern, creating a welcoming and comforting environment for the patient. This approach helps build rapport and trust. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet may come off as cold and distant, lacking warmth and concern. Choice C is incorrect because avoiding attentive behaviors can make the patient feel neglected and uncared for, which does not display warmth and concern. Choice D is incorrect because engaging in a verbal exchange without physical contact alone may not be enough to demonstrate genuine warmth and concern towards the patient.
Question 9 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 because demonstrating understanding with empathy is the most therapeutic way for the nurse to communicate with a patient facing a terminal illness. Empathy allows the nurse to connect emotionally with the patient, showing support and compassion without judgment. This can help the patient feel heard and validated, leading to a sense of comfort and trust in the nurse. Choice A is incorrect because using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create distance between the nurse and the patient. Choice C is incorrect as acknowledging hope with sympathy may not always align with the patient's feelings and can come across as insincere. Choice D is incorrect because consistently evaluating the patient's feelings may feel intrusive and insensitive, rather than supportive.