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
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 3 of 9
The nurse makes a home visit to a client with chronic kidney disease. The client asks the nurse to make the decision about whether or not to start dialysis. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and involve them in decision-making. Step 2: By inviting the client to make a decision after reviewing options, the nurse promotes client-centered care. Step 3: This approach empowers the client to participate actively in their healthcare decisions. Step 4: It aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Summary: Choice B is correct as it respects the client's autonomy and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is not appropriate as it bypasses the client's involvement. Choice C is not ideal as the client should be actively involved. Choice D may provide information but doesn't involve the client in decision-making.
Question 4 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 5 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 6 of 9
Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse3client relationship? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together as partners towards shared goals, with both parties contributing equally. Collaboration fosters empowerment, respect, and shared decision-making. Dependency (A) implies an unequal power dynamic, which is not characteristic of mutuality. Paternalism (C) involves a one-sided decision-making process, conflicting with the collaborative nature of mutuality. Acceptance of differences (D) is important but does not solely define mutuality. In summary, collaboration best reflects the principles of mutuality by emphasizing partnership, equality, and shared responsibility.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse has implemented a plan to improve expression of warmth to other nurses. It is most important for the nurse to include which evaluation method?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because self-monitoring interactions with colleagues allows for personal reflection and assessment of warmth expression. This method promotes self-awareness and self-improvement. Asking patients (B) is not relevant for evaluating interactions among nurses. Inviting a supervisor (C) may introduce bias and may not accurately reflect warmth expression. Seeking nominations for an award (D) focuses on recognition rather than genuine improvement. Therefore, A is the most suitable method for evaluating the nurse's plan.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.
Question 9 of 9
Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory test will the nurse check to see if the medication should be discontinued?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hemoglobin. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the medication. If hemoglobin levels rise too high, it can lead to complications like blood clots. Checking hemoglobin levels helps determine if the dose of epoetin alfa should be adjusted or discontinued. Summary: B: White cell count - Monitoring white cell count is not directly related to epoetin alfa therapy. C: Potassium level - Monitoring potassium level is important for other medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors, not specifically for epoetin alfa. D: Blood glucose level - Monitoring blood glucose level is important for diabetic patients but not directly related to epoetin alfa therapy.