ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 response is B. Asking the patient to elaborate on what happened last night allows the nurse to gather more information about the situation, which is crucial for assessing the patient's sleep difficulties accurately. It shows active listening and empathy, building rapport and trust with the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the patient's concerns effectively or gather relevant information to provide appropriate care. Option A makes an assumption without understanding the root cause of the sleep issue. Option C assumes the cause of sleep difficulty without exploring further. Option D dismisses the patient's concerns without providing support or understanding.
Question 2 of 5
Which demonstrates the nurse's genuine concern for clients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informing the patient about a medication error and symptoms to report shows transparency, honesty, and prioritizes patient safety. This action also promotes trust in the nurse-patient relationship. A: Choice A is incorrect because falsely reassuring a terminally ill patient does not demonstrate genuine concern and lacks honesty. B: Choice B is incorrect because delaying important information about the death of a dependent child is unethical and can cause unnecessary distress to the patient. C: Choice C is incorrect because providing a placebo without informed consent violates ethical principles and does not prioritize the patient's well-being.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse cares for a patient with a terminal illness. Which way would be the most therapeutic for the nurse to communicate with this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Demonstrate understanding with empathy. This approach is the most therapeutic as it shows the nurse's genuine care and support for the patient, fostering a sense of trust and emotional connection. By empathizing, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and provides comfort without judgment. A: Using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Acknowledging hope by expressions of sympathy is important but may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs. D: Consistently evaluating the patient's feelings is important, but without demonstrating empathy, it may come across as clinical and detached. In summary, choice B is the best approach as it prioritizes empathy and understanding, essential components in providing effective therapeutic communication.
Question 4 of 5
A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me.= Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects active listening and understanding the mother's concerns without making assumptions or judgments. The nurse accurately acknowledges the mother's worries about taking care of herself and her baby, showing empathy and validation. Choice A assumes the mother feels uncared for, choice B presumes low self-esteem, and choice D focuses on discomfort with asking for help rather than addressing the mother's specific concerns. Hence, choice C is the most empathetic and appropriate response in this scenario.
Question 5 of 5
According to the NCSBN, appropriate self-disclosure is a part of maintaining professional boundaries. Appropriate self-disclosure includes the following:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because appropriate self-disclosure in a therapeutic setting should be brief, focused, and only shared if it enhances the therapeutic relationship. This helps maintain professional boundaries and keeps the focus on the patient's needs. Choice A is incorrect because discussing intimate or personal values with patients can blur boundaries and shift the focus away from the patient. Choice B is incorrect because keeping secrets with or for a patient can lead to ethical dilemmas and compromise trust. Choice C is incorrect because expressing that you are the only one who truly understands the patient can create a power imbalance and hinder the therapeutic process.