ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A home health patient with a bleeding ulcer informs the nurse that she ate a bowl of chili with jalapenos. An inappropriate communication block with a judgmental tone by the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates a judgmental tone towards the patient's actions. The nurse is passing a negative judgment on the patient by stating that eating chili with jalapenos was not a smart decision considering the ulcer. This response can make the patient feel guilty or ashamed, hindering effective communication. Choice A shows frustration and blame towards the patient, which can lead to a defensive response. Choice C is directive and lacks empathy, focusing solely on the medical aspect without considering the patient's feelings. Choice D dismisses the patient's concerns and minimizes the impact of the action, which can be perceived as condescending. In summary, choice B is the correct answer as it highlights the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive attitude in patient communication.
Question 2 of 9
According to Swanson's theory, there are five caring processes, one of which is "knowing." What are the other four?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintaining belief, being with, doing for, and enabling. - Maintaining belief: Involves believing in the patient's capacity for self-care. - Being with: Being present and connecting emotionally with the patient. - Doing for: Providing assistance and meeting the patient's needs. - Enabling: Encouraging and supporting the patient to reach their full potential. Other choices are incorrect: - A: Communication, assertiveness, responsibility, and caring do not align with Swanson's caring processes. - C: Understanding, action, information, and comfort are not the caring processes in Swanson's theory. - D: Maintaining belief, being with, enabling, and supporting is partly correct but lacks the "doing for" process.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse cares for the mother of a child who died in the emergency room as a result of an accidental poisoning. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because accurately reflecting on the mother's feelings shows understanding and empathy, validating her emotions. This approach helps establish trust and connection, essential in providing emotional support. A: Placing greater emphasis on nonverbal aspects may not effectively convey empathy and understanding. C: Merely repeating exact phrases may come off as insincere and robotic, lacking genuine empathy. D: Reflecting on the mother's feelings using the nurse's own words may not accurately capture the depth of the mother's emotions and may lead to misinterpretation.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who becomes confused and a vest restraint is applied. The nurse should take which action when notifying the patient's family?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having another nurse who has a good relationship with the family present can help facilitate effective communication and address any concerns or questions the family may have. This approach can help build trust and provide emotional support during a potentially difficult situation. A: Avoiding discussing the treatment plan can lead to confusion and distrust. C: Using medical terms may confuse or intimidate the family and hinder effective communication. D: Assuming the family wants a detailed explanation may not be accurate and can result in information overload.
Question 5 of 9
When an office nurse asks the patient to repeat information that he has just given to the patient over the telephone, the nurse is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the patient to repeat the information verifies their understanding. This is crucial in healthcare to ensure accurate communication and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on intelligence rather than comprehension. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is motivated by avoiding negligence rather than patient care. Choice D is incorrect as saving time should not compromise patient understanding.Verifying patient comprehension fosters effective communication and prevents errors.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by the staff nurse is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly and assertively communicates the staff nurse's inability to work an extra shift. This response sets clear boundaries and respects the nurse's own limitations and well-being. It is based on rational beliefs as it acknowledges personal capacity without guilt or unnecessary explanations. Explanation of other choices: A: This choice is not assertive as it prioritizes avoiding upsetting the nurse manager over the nurse's own needs and boundaries. B: This response is confrontational and does not address the request directly, focusing instead on questioning past occurrences. D: While this response offers to work the extra shift as a last resort, it does not assert the nurse's own limitations clearly, leaving room for potential guilt or manipulation.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse provides care for a male patient. When the nurse addresses the patient, which would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient how he prefers to be addressed. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and personal preferences, promoting patient-centered care. By asking the patient directly, the nurse acknowledges the patient's individuality and ensures respectful communication. A: Using both first and last name with each encounter may come across as too formal or impersonal for some patients, potentially creating a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Calling the patient by his first name without consent may be perceived as too familiar or disrespectful by some patients, leading to discomfort or a lack of trust in the nurse. D: Addressing the patient by his last name may be too formal for some patients and can create a sense of distance or hierarchy in the nurse-patient relationship.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse prepares to obtain a health history from a hospitalized patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect the patient's privacy by closing the door. Closing the door ensures confidentiality and privacy during the health history interview. This step is crucial to maintain the patient's dignity and foster trust. Setting time limits (choice A) may compromise the quality of the assessment. Avoiding upsetting questions (choice B) may hinder the gathering of important information. Standing at the foot of the bed for eye contact (choice D) is not appropriate as it may seem confrontational and uncomfortable for the patient.
Question 9 of 9
A hospital nurse is concerned about the demands of providing safe care to clients who are seriously ill. The nurse manager should suggest which intervention to effectively help the nurse balance the demanding work in the hospital setting?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Request a transfer to another nursing care unit with patients who are stable. Rationale: 1. By transferring to a unit with stable patients, the nurse can reduce the demands of caring for seriously ill clients. 2. This intervention helps in balancing the workload and provides a less stressful environment for the nurse. 3. It allows the nurse to focus on providing safe care without being overwhelmed by the demands of seriously ill patients. Incorrect choices: A: Delegating more tasks to unlicensed nursing personnel may not address the root cause of the nurse's concern and could potentially compromise patient safety. C: Writing stories in a journal may be a helpful coping mechanism but does not directly address the nurse's workload concerns. D: Using an assertive communication style is important but may not be the most effective solution for balancing the demands of caring for seriously ill clients.