ATI RN
Communication in Nursing 8th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is attracted to the nurse and attempts to initiate a social relationship. It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it maintains professional boundaries, prioritizing the patient's well-being. By clearly stating that the relationship must remain professional, the nurse sets clear boundaries and avoids any potential ethical issues. Choice A is incorrect as it can lead to boundary violations and compromise patient care. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the situation directly and may not be necessary if proper boundaries are set. Choice D is incorrect as transferring the patient may not address the underlying issue and is not a standard response to this situation.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse observes a student nurse who demonstrates nonverbal expressions that are cold and convey disinterest when caring for patients. Which statement, if made by the nurse, is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides constructive feedback and offers a solution to the observed issue. By suggesting the student nurse to closely observe how the nurse displays warmth to patients, it encourages learning through modeling and self-reflection. This approach promotes a positive learning environment and emphasizes the importance of improving communication skills. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on negative reinforcement and may lead to defensive reactions. Choice B is incorrect as it uses a confrontational approach, which can be demotivating and damaging to the student's self-esteem. Choice D is incorrect as it lacks specificity and guidance on how to improve, making it less effective in addressing the observed behavior.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse manager offers a staff nurse a choice between working 8- or 12-hour shifts. Which statement, if made by the staff nurse, is nonassertive and may result in a frustrated response from the nurse manager?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows an attempt to control others' decisions, which is nonassertive and inappropriate in a professional setting. Assertiveness involves expressing one's own needs and preferences while respecting others' choices. Option A implies a desire for power over others' schedules, leading to potential conflict and frustration. In contrast, options B and D show indifference and negativity, respectively, without clearly stating preferences. Option C is assertive and appreciative of the choice offered, clearly stating a preference for 12-hour shifts without imposing on others.
Question 4 of 9
When the patient says, "I don't want to go home," the nurse's best therapeutic verbal response would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates active listening and empathy by reflecting the patient's statement. It shows the nurse is engaged and seeking to understand the patient's feelings. Choice A dismisses the patient's concerns. Choice C implies the patient is being pressured by their family. Choice D shifts the focus to the nurse's experience, not the patient's feelings.
Question 5 of 9
A patient tells the nurse that she dislikes the food that is served in the hospital. The nurse responds, "Our cooks work very hard; the food that is served is very good." The nurse's response is an example of the communication block of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: defensive response. The nurse's response deflects the patient's complaint about the food quality by defending the cooks' efforts instead of addressing the patient's concerns. This can create a barrier to effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings and not acknowledging their perspective. A: Judgmental response involves criticizing or making assumptions about the patient, which is not evident in the nurse's reply. B: Giving advice would involve offering suggestions on how to improve the situation, which the nurse did not do. D: Using clichés would involve using overused phrases that may not directly relate to the patient's concern, which is not the case in this scenario. In summary, the nurse's defensive response fails to address the patient's complaint and can hinder effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings.
Question 6 of 9
The team leader is reviewing what the HCP has just prescribed for Mr. N (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). What will the team leader question?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer filgrastim 5 mcg/kg subcutaneously every day. The rationale for this is that filgrastim is a medication commonly prescribed for patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma to stimulate the production of white blood cells. Therefore, the team leader should question the dosage, route of administration, and frequency to ensure it aligns with the prescribed treatment plan. Incorrect choices: B: Catheterize to obtain a urinalysis specimen - This is not relevant to the prescribed treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. C: Flush the IV saline lock every shift - Important for maintaining IV access but not directly related to the prescribed medication. D: Monitor vital signs every 4 hours - Monitoring vital signs is important but not the primary concern when reviewing a prescribed medication for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which nursing action would most likely improve client compliance with the therapeutic regimen?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because listening attentively to the client's perception of having a chronic illness is crucial for building a therapeutic relationship and understanding their concerns, fears, and challenges. By actively listening, the nurse can address the client's emotional and psychological needs, which are essential in managing a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes. This approach fosters trust, enhances communication, and promotes client engagement in their treatment plan. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ignoring negative statements, avoiding physical contact, and solely focusing on the physical aspects of care can lead to poor client-nurse communication, lack of trust, and ultimately hinder compliance with the therapeutic regimen. Ignoring negative statements may escalate resistance, avoiding physical contact may create distance, and solely focusing on physical care neglects the holistic needs of the client.
Question 8 of 9
The team leader is reviewing the pain management plan for Mr. U. He is having significant pain related to the cancer and the pulmonary resection. Which option would be the best for Mr. U?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Mr. U is experiencing significant pain related to cancer and pulmonary resection, which typically requires continuous pain management. Around-the-clock fixed doses of opioid analgesics provide consistent pain relief and can be adjusted based on his pain levels. This approach ensures adequate pain control without the need for Mr. U to wait until the pain becomes severe before asking for medication. Option A may lead to undertreatment of pain. Option C delays effective pain relief for Mr. U who is already experiencing significant pain. Option D is incorrect as opioids can be safely administered with proper monitoring, even in patients at high risk for respiratory distress.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse recognizes a verbal response when the patient:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Verbal communication involves words, either written or spoken. 2. Choice B states that the patient writes the answer to a question asked by the nurse, which involves using words. 3. Therefore, choice B correctly represents verbal communication. 4. Choices A, C, and D involve nonverbal communication methods such as nodding, sobbing, and moaning, which do not involve words.