ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing 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 hands-on learning and skill development. This approach gives the nurses the opportunity to actively engage in practicing conveying warmth through nonverbal cues, such as smiling, eye contact, and body language. This experiential learning method is effective in helping the nurses understand and internalize the importance of nonverbal communication in conveying warmth to patients. Option B is incorrect because simply observing experienced nurses may not actively involve the graduate nurses in practicing and developing their own skills. Option C is less effective as just providing a list may not translate into practical application and skill development. Option D is not as effective as having the nurses evaluate each other may not provide the structured guidance and feedback needed for skill improvement.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who is scheduled for abdominal surgery. Which action, if taken by the nurse, is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the patient about expectations for postoperative pain management is crucial for providing individualized care. This allows the nurse to understand the patient's preferences and tailor the pain management plan accordingly. Choice A is not the most appropriate as mandating a complementary therapy without patient input may not align with the patient's preferences. Choice B is not ideal as administering opioids based solely on pain rating may not consider individual variations in pain perception. Choice D is less appropriate as it may not account for the patient's specific needs and preferences. In summary, choice C prioritizes patient-centered care and individualized pain management, making it the most appropriate action in this scenario.
Question 3 of 9
An example of a nurse communicating with a patient using open-ended questions would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it encourages the patient to share detailed information and express their feelings. By asking about the daughter's reaction to hospice, the nurse opens up an opportunity for the patient to discuss personal relationships and emotional aspects of their situation. This type of open-ended question fosters deeper communication and understanding between the nurse and patient. A, B, and C are closed-ended questions that only require a brief response, limiting the patient's opportunity to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. They focus on specific facts or symptoms rather than exploring the patient's emotional well-being and personal experiences.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse observes a nursing assistant interacting with an elderly patient. Which statement by the nursing assistant requires an immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because addressing an elderly patient as "Sweetie" is unprofessional and inappropriate. It can be seen as demeaning and disrespectful. The nurse should intervene immediately to remind the nursing assistant to maintain a professional and respectful tone when speaking to patients. A, B, and C are not the correct answers because they all involve appropriate and respectful ways of interacting with elderly patients. Offering to help remember the room location, reading from the patient's Bible, and asking for stories about their youth are all positive ways to engage with the patient and provide compassionate care.
Question 5 of 9
The hospital nurse educator develops an educational session for staff nurses on how to clearly record data in a patient's electronic medical record. Which key point should the nurse educator include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients who are at high risk for falls require more frequent documentation to ensure their safety. Falls are a common patient safety concern in healthcare settings, and timely and accurate documentation can help prevent falls. Choice B is incorrect because using labels like "good" or "lazy" to describe patients is subjective and unprofessional, and can lead to misunderstandings among healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect because detailed and specific documentation is required for quality patient care and communication among healthcare providers, not just for legal reasons. Choice D is incorrect because while clear and concise documentation is important, it does not address the specific need for more frequent documentation for high-risk patients.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who does not follow dietary recommendations for treatment of heart failure. Which statement, if made by the nurse, demonstrates respect for the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I care about you even if you are not following your dietary restrictions." This statement demonstrates respect for the client by acknowledging the client's autonomy and worth as an individual, regardless of their choices. It shows empathy and compassion without judgment, promoting a supportive and non-judgmental relationship. Explanation: A: This statement is dismissive and indifferent, lacking empathy and respect for the client's choices. B: This statement uses a conditional approach, linking attention from the physician to following diet restrictions, which may come off as manipulative and lacks genuine care for the client. D: This statement uses a comparison approach, which may make the client feel judged or inadequate for not following dietary recommendations. It also implies that better healthcare is contingent on following a specific diet, which may not always be true.
Question 7 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: The correct answer is B because it promotes client autonomy and informed decision-making. By inviting the client to make a decision after reviewing options, the nurse respects the client's right to self-determination. This approach empowers the client to participate in their own care and make decisions aligned with their values and preferences. It also fosters a collaborative relationship between the nurse and client. Choice A is incorrect because appointing a durable power of attorney does not directly address the client's request for assistance in making a decision about dialysis. Choice C is incorrect as directing the client to have the physician make the decision undermines the client's autonomy. Choice D is incorrect as it does not actively involve the client in the decision-making process.
Question 8 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 the mother's feelings shows empathy and understanding, validating her emotions. This response helps build trust and rapport, facilitating therapeutic communication. Option A focuses more on nonverbal cues, which may not convey the same level of understanding. Option C, repeating exact phrases, could come across as insincere or robotic. Option D, reflecting with the nurse's words, may not fully capture the mother's emotions. In summary, choice B is the most appropriate as it demonstrates active listening and genuine concern for the mother's grieving process.
Question 9 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 shows empathy and understanding towards the patient's feelings without being judgmental. The nurse acknowledges the patient's frustration, which validates their emotions and opens up further conversation. Choice A is not assertive and could come off as dismissive. Choice B puts words in the patient's mouth. Choice C is confrontational and doesn't address the patient's feelings.