ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions
Question 1 of 9
A patient is irritable and complains to the nurse about difficulty sleeping last night. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to share more information about their difficulty sleeping. By asking the patient to elaborate, the nurse can gather important details to identify the root cause and provide appropriate interventions. Choice A is dismissive and lacks empathy. Choice C makes an assumption without gathering more information. Choice D is a generalization and does not address the patient's specific concerns.
Question 2 of 9
The practical nursing student who is engaged in a therapeutic communication with a patient will have the most difficulty with the technique of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: silence. In therapeutic communication, silence can be challenging for students as it requires them to be comfortable with pauses in conversation, which can sometimes feel awkward. However, silence can be a powerful tool in allowing the patient to reflect and express their thoughts. Closed questions (A) limit communication, restating (B) encourages the patient to elaborate, and using general leads (C) helps open up the conversation. Therefore, the practical nursing student will have the most difficulty with silence as it may be perceived as ineffective or uncomfortable.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse greets a patient who is admitted to the hospital. Which action by the nurse displays warmth and concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because using a soft and relaxed tone of voice conveys warmth and concern, creating a welcoming and comforting environment for the patient. This approach helps build rapport and trust. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet may come off as cold and distant, lacking warmth and concern. Choice C is incorrect because avoiding attentive behaviors can make the patient feel neglected and uncared for, which does not display warmth and concern. Choice D is incorrect because engaging in a verbal exchange without physical contact alone may not be enough to demonstrate genuine warmth and concern towards the patient.
Question 4 of 9
Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse–client relationship? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together towards shared goals, with both parties actively participating and contributing to decision-making processes. Collaboration fosters a relationship based on equality, respect, and shared responsibility, leading to improved outcomes for the client. A: Dependency is not a characteristic of mutuality as it implies one party relying solely on the other, which goes against the principles of collaboration and shared decision-making. C: Paternalism is not a characteristic of mutuality as it involves a one-sided approach where the nurse makes decisions on behalf of the client without their active involvement or input. D: Acceptance of differences, while important in promoting understanding and respect in the relationship, is not a defining characteristic of mutuality. It is more about acknowledging and respecting each other's unique perspectives rather than actively collaborating towards common goals.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse discusses smoking cessation with a client. Which action, if taken by the nurse, would most likely result in a behavior change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because collaborating with the client to develop an individualized plan of action empowers the client to take ownership of their smoking cessation journey. This approach considers the client's unique needs, preferences, and circumstances, increasing the likelihood of successful behavior change. Option A is less effective as simply advising the client to contact a quitline may not address the client's specific barriers or motivations. Option B focuses on interventions but lacks the personalized aspect that is crucial for behavior change. Option D, while important, does not directly involve the client in the decision-making process, reducing the client's engagement and investment in the cessation process.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse will appropriately and deliberately use the closed question technique when the patient is: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The closed question technique is used to gather specific information or facts. When a patient is being asked for specific information, using closed questions can help guide the conversation and elicit precise responses. Closed questions typically require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. In contrast, open-ended questions are more suitable when exploring feelings or emotions (choices B and C) or when dealing with confusion (choice D). Closed questions may not be effective when a patient is extremely anxious and unfocused, as open-ended questions may be more appropriate to allow the patient to express themselves more freely. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer because using closed questions in this scenario helps to gather precise information effectively.
Question 7 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: Listen to the patient's stories about her past experiences. This approach allows the nurse to show empathy, build trust, and understand the patient's perspective. By actively listening to the patient's stories, the nurse can provide emotional support and help the patient process her emotions and thoughts. A: Suggesting a support group may be beneficial, but it may not address the patient's immediate need for understanding and processing her diagnosis. B: Providing reading material on death and dying may be overwhelming and not personalized to the patient's specific needs. C: Contacting the patient's spiritual leader may not be appropriate if the patient does not have a strong spiritual connection or desire for daily visits.
Question 8 of 9
The home health nurse cares for a patient who is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which response(s) and behavior(s) by the nurse would indicate that bonding between nurse and patient has occurred? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because listening to the patient describe their feelings of anxiety related to severe dyspnea indicates empathy, active listening, and emotional support, which are essential for building a strong nurse-patient bond. By actively listening to the patient's concerns, the nurse shows genuine care and understanding, fostering trust and connection. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Expects the patient to meet exercise goals - This choice emphasizes a more authoritative approach and does not necessarily indicate a strong bond. C: Develops teaching plan based on learning preferences - While important for effective teaching, this choice focuses on education rather than emotional connection. D: Refrains from touching the patient - Touch can be a comforting gesture and important for physical assessment, but avoiding it altogether may not necessarily indicate bonding.
Question 9 of 9
Mr. N (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) shyly asks, "Do doctors have a special way that they wash their hands? Everybody washes their hands and then rewashes their hands before they touch me or any of my personal items. Everybody—except that one doctor." What is the team leader's priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because addressing the client's concerns directly with the healthcare provider (HCP) is the most immediate and effective way to ensure proper infection control procedures are followed. By approaching the HCP and explaining the client's observations and concerns, the team leader can facilitate communication and potentially prevent any lapses in infection control. This action promotes patient safety and trust in the healthcare team. Choice A is incorrect because assuming the HCP washed hands without confirmation can lead to overlooking potential gaps in infection control. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the client's specific observation and concerns. Choice C is not the priority as contacting infection control should come after addressing the issue with the HCP directly.