ATI RN
Communication in Nursing 8th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
The nurse needs to obtain a health history from a Spanish-speaking patient. Which action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because using a professional medical interpreter ensures accurate communication, maintains patient confidentiality, and upholds ethical standards. Step 1: Requesting a Spanish-speaking medical interpreter ensures clear understanding of the patient's health history. Step 2: Using a professional interpreter avoids potential misinterpretations that may arise from using untrained individuals. Step 3: Interviewing the patient's English-speaking daughter may lead to inaccuracies and breaches patient confidentiality. Step 4: Asking a bilingual friend of the patient to interpret lacks professionalism and may result in miscommunication.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who has several options for cancer treatment. Which document supports the client's right to have access to information about treatment options?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The Patient's Bill of Rights. This document supports the client's right to access information about treatment options as it ensures that clients have the right to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The Patient's Bill of Rights outlines the rights and responsibilities of patients, including the right to receive information about their medical condition, treatment options, risks, and benefits. The other choices are incorrect because: A: The Standards of Clinical Practice provide guidelines for healthcare professionals and do not specifically address the client's right to access information. B: An Advance Health Care Directive is a legal document that specifies a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event they are unable to communicate, but it does not necessarily address the right to access treatment information. D: A Client's Living Will is a legal document that outlines a person's preferences for medical care in certain situations, but it does not specifically address the right to access information about treatment options.
Question 4 of 9
A 36-year-old woman who is in traction for a fractured femur that she received in an auto accident is found crying quietly. The nurse can best address this situation by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's emotions, shows empathy, and encourages open communication. By stating "You are upset. Can you tell me what's wrong?" the nurse validates the patient's feelings and invites her to express her concerns. This approach fosters trust and allows the nurse to address the underlying issues causing the patient's distress. Choice A is incorrect as it assumes the patient is in pain without confirmation and may come off as dismissive. Choice B is inappropriate as it lacks empathy and demands the patient to stop crying, which can further escalate the situation. Choice C is insensitive as it diminishes the patient's feelings by comparing her situation to a potential worse outcome, which is not helpful in addressing her emotional distress.
Question 5 of 9
Which nonverbal action(s) would be consistent with an assertive style of communication? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Relaxed posture) because assertiveness is about expressing oneself confidently while respecting others. A relaxed posture conveys confidence and self-assurance. Established eye contact (B) is also consistent with assertiveness, showing engagement and sincerity. Choices C (Hands placed on hips) and D (Distant, soft voice) are more indicative of aggression or passivity, respectively, rather than assertiveness. Placing hands on hips can come across as confrontational, while a distant, soft voice lacks the firmness and clarity associated with assertive communication.
Question 6 of 9
When the nurse observes a resident in a long-term facility pounding his fists on his legs and grinding his teeth, the nurse will validate her perception of the patient's nonverbal expression of anger by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates active listening and empathy towards the patient's nonverbal cues. By sitting down near the patient and acknowledging his emotions, the nurse opens up a channel for communication and offers support. This approach allows the patient to express his feelings and needs, leading to better understanding and potential resolution of the underlying issue. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Simply documenting the observation does not address the patient's emotional state or provide any opportunity for direct communication. B: Asking another staff member for their perception does not involve the patient directly and may not accurately reflect the patient's emotions. C: Referring to the care plan does not involve the patient in the process and may not address the immediate emotional needs expressed through nonverbal behavior.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse cares for an adult client who is diagnosed with active tuberculosis. Which action, if performed by the nurse during introductions, shows respect for the client? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Maintaining eye contact by looking at the client during introductions shows respect by acknowledging the client as an individual and demonstrating active listening. This helps establish trust and rapport. Incorrect choices: B: Avoiding touch may be necessary for infection control, but it does not necessarily show respect for the client. C: Staying 4 to 6 feet away may be necessary for infection control, but it does not demonstrate respect or engagement with the client. D: Briefly conversing about the weather is a social nicety but may not convey the same level of respect and attentiveness as making eye contact.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse has selected an outcome for the patient to eat all of the food on the breakfast tray each day. Assessing that the patient has eaten all of the breakfast, the nurse would give positive feedback by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's achievement of finishing the whole meal, provides positive reinforcement, and invites the patient to make choices for the next meal, encouraging continued compliance with the desired outcome. This response directly reinforces the behavior that was targeted, making it more likely for the patient to repeat the behavior in the future. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the patient's accomplishment of eating all the food, therefore they do not provide effective positive feedback for reinforcing the desired behavior.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who becomes confused and a vest restraint is applied. The nurse should take which action when notifying the patient's family?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having another nurse who has a good relationship with the family present can help facilitate effective communication and provide emotional support. This can help alleviate the family's concerns and build trust in the care being provided. Avoiding discussing the treatment plan (A) may lead to increased anxiety and worry for the family. Using medical terms (C) may confuse the family further and hinder effective communication. Assuming that the family wants a detailed explanation (D) without confirming their preferences may not be the most appropriate approach.