ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A nurse preceptor is assigned to help several graduate nurses assess their ability to convey warmth to patients. Which activity, if selected by the nurse preceptor, is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because setting up sessions for the graduate nurses to practice various nonverbal gestures allows for active skill development. By practicing these gestures, they can receive immediate feedback from the preceptor and improve their ability to convey warmth effectively. Choice B is incorrect because simply observing behaviors of experienced nurses may not actively engage the graduate nurses in practicing and developing their own skills. Choice C is incorrect because providing a list of nonverbal behaviors may not be as effective as hands-on practice in improving the graduate nurses' ability to convey warmth. Choice D is incorrect because having the graduate nurses evaluate each other during simulated interviews may not provide structured guidance and feedback from the preceptor to help them improve their nonverbal communication skills effectively.
Question 2 of 9
A patient who has had a stroke is unable to speak clearly and has right sided hemiplegia. The nurse will design the approach to the assessment interview by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because speaking slowly and giving the patient time to respond allows the patient with speech difficulties due to the stroke to process information and formulate a response. Prompting or finishing sentences can hinder the patient's ability to communicate independently. Asking questions to the patient directly, rather than relying on a family member, ensures accurate information is obtained directly from the patient. Telling the patient that all information will come from the daughter undermines the patient's autonomy and may lead to incomplete or inaccurate information.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
When a patient states, "My son hasn't been to see me in months," the nurse's best verbal response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Reflective listening: Restating the patient's statement shows empathy and understanding. 2. Open-ended question: Encourages patient to share more without assumptions. 3. Non-judgmental: Neutral tone promotes trust and openness. 4. Validates patient's feelings: Acknowledges patient's concerns without dismissing them. Summary: A: Provides false reassurance, does not address the patient's feelings. C: Shifts focus to the nurse, not patient-centered. D: Implies judgment, may shut down communication.
Question 5 of 9
One study of Italian primary care physicians caring for diabetic patients showed that those scoring highest on the empathy test had patients with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Statistically fewer acute diabetic complications. This is because the study found a correlation between high empathy scores of physicians and lower occurrences of acute diabetic complications in their patients. The use of the term "statistically" implies a significant and reliable relationship between physician empathy and patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because the study did not specify "significantly" fewer complications, only a correlation with high empathy scores. Choice C is incorrect as there was no evidence of higher rates of chronic complications associated with physician empathy. Choice D is incorrect as the study did not find statistically higher poor outcomes for patients with diabetes, but rather a relationship with fewer acute complications.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse openly and genuinely discusses thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections with a group of college students. Which benefit(s) may occur for these college students? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because openly discussing thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections can help build trust between the nurse and college students. This trust can lead to the students feeling more comfortable seeking information and support from the nurse. Choice A is incorrect because open communication typically fosters ongoing discussions, not reluctance. Choice C is incorrect because open discussions can enhance credibility by showing transparency and expertise. Choice D is incorrect because open dialogue does not guarantee the accuracy of information, but it can facilitate a more informed discussion.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assertive, responsible, and caring communication. Rationale: 1. Assertive communication is important to clearly express expectations and boundaries. 2. Being responsible conveys accountability and encourages the patient to take ownership of their care. 3. Caring communication fosters trust and empathy, crucial for building a therapeutic relationship. Summary: A: Authoritative communication may come across as controlling and may not promote patient cooperation. C: Aggressive communication can be intimidating and may lead to resistance rather than cooperation. D: Positive communication is beneficial, but being an expert alone may not address the patient's underlying issues or barriers to self-care.
Question 8 of 9
The nursing supervisor instructs a group of novice nurses about the appropriate use of self-disclosure with patients. The nursing supervisor determines that teaching was successful if the novice nurse makes which statement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Self-disclosure can be used to build a trusting relationship with the patient. This is because sharing personal information appropriately can help create a connection and foster trust between the nurse and the patient. By being open and genuine, nurses can demonstrate empathy and understanding, leading to better communication and rapport. Choice A is incorrect because while self-disclosure can help the patient understand the nurse, the primary goal is to build a therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect because disclosing stories about others does not promote genuine connection and may not be relevant to the patient's care. Choice D is incorrect because fabricating personal experiences goes against the principles of honesty and authenticity in therapeutic communication.
Question 9 of 9
Let me know how you're doing and whether you need any help."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides clear instructions to take vital signs on all patients in the lounge and report any problems. This ensures comprehensive assessment and communication. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specificity and may lead to overlooking important tasks. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are blank. Providing clear and concise directions is crucial in delegation to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.