ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
A teacher at a local elementary school asks a nurse to talk to the students about nutrition. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows the nurse's willingness to understand the teacher's specific objectives and tailor the nutrition talk accordingly. This approach ensures that the nurse addresses the teacher's concerns and meets the students' needs effectively. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Teaching students how to read nutrition labels may be important, but it assumes that this is the teacher's primary goal without confirming it first. C: Focusing on the consequences of obesity may not align with the teacher's desired focus on general nutrition education. D: While enthusiasm for teaching is positive, this response does not address the teacher's specific request for the nutrition talk.
Question 2 of 9
Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory test will the nurse check to see if the medication should be discontinued?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hemoglobin. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the medication. If hemoglobin levels rise too high, it can lead to complications like blood clots. Checking hemoglobin levels helps determine if the dose of epoetin alfa should be adjusted or discontinued. Summary: B: White cell count - Monitoring white cell count is not directly related to epoetin alfa therapy. C: Potassium level - Monitoring potassium level is important for other medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors, not specifically for epoetin alfa. D: Blood glucose level - Monitoring blood glucose level is important for diabetic patients but not directly related to epoetin alfa therapy.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient who is concerned about her 10-pound weight loss relative to her chemotherapy tells the patient, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using clichés. The nurse's statement, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining," is a cliché that minimizes the patient's concerns about her weight loss and chemotherapy. Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality and can be dismissive or unhelpful in communication. In this case, the nurse's response does not address the patient's emotional or physical needs and fails to provide meaningful support. Incorrect choices: A: Defensive response - This choice involves reacting defensively to the patient's concerns, which is not demonstrated in the nurse's statement. B: Asking probing questions - This choice involves seeking further information from the patient, which is not reflected in the nurse's cliché response. D: Changing the subject - This choice involves diverting the conversation away from the patient's concerns, which is not explicitly done in the given scenario.
Question 4 of 9
Which characteristic would the nurse use to define culture? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because culture is defined as the learned and shared lifeways of a particular group. This includes traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices that are passed down from generation to generation within a community. This definition aligns with the concept of culture being a set of learned behaviors and beliefs that are commonly practiced and shared among individuals in a society. Choice B is incorrect because while social identity can be influenced by language and religion, it does not fully encompass the complexity of culture. Choice C is incorrect as it refers to ethnocentrism, which is the belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group and is not a defining characteristic of culture. Choice D is incorrect because while values do influence thinking and actions within a culture, it does not capture the entirety of what culture entails, such as traditions, customs, and shared beliefs.
Question 5 of 9
When communicating with a hearing impaired patient, the nurse appropriately:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: uses short, simple sentences. This is the most appropriate approach because hearing-impaired patients may have difficulty processing complex information. Using short, simple sentences helps improve comprehension. Shouting repeatedly (choice A) can be distressing and ineffective. Speaking directly into the patient's ear (choice B) may be invasive and uncomfortable. Using long, complex sentences (choice C) can overwhelm the patient and lead to confusion. Therefore, option D is the best choice for effective communication with a hearing-impaired patient.
Question 6 of 9
A Hispanic patient approaches the Asian nurse and, standing very close, touches the nurse's shoulder during their conversation. The nurse begins to step back to 18 to 24 inches, while smiling and nodding to the patient. This situation is most likely an example of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: a difference in culturally learned personal space of the nurse and the patient. This is because different cultures have varying norms regarding personal space. In this scenario, the Hispanic patient touching the Asian nurse's shoulder and standing very close suggests a cultural difference in personal space expectations. The nurse stepping back to establish a distance of 18 to 24 inches is a respectful response to accommodate the patient's cultural norm. It demonstrates cultural competence and understanding. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: the nurse's need to maintain a professional role rather than a social role - This choice does not address the cultural aspect of personal space and assumes the nurse's response is solely professional. B: a patient's attempt to keep the nurse's attention - This choice does not consider the cultural factor influencing the patient's behavior. C: a nurse's need to establish a more appropriate location for conversation - This choice does not acknowledge the cultural difference in personal space as the primary reason for the nurse
Question 7 of 9
The first-semester nursing student tells the team leader that her clinical assignment for the day is to take vital signs and obtain a client history that will take about 1 or 2 hours to complete. Which clients would the leader recommend that she approach to fulfill her assignment? (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because Mr. L, who has a tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy, will likely require vital signs monitoring and a detailed client history due to his complex respiratory and communication needs. This assignment will provide the student with valuable experience in caring for clients with specialized needs. Incorrect choices: A: Mr. N (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) - While Mr. N may require vital signs monitoring, his condition does not necessarily involve complex care needs that would warrant a 1-2 hour history-taking session. C: Mr. B (bladder cancer) - Vital signs monitoring and history-taking for a client with bladder cancer may not require as much time as the scenario suggests, as the care needs may not be as complex as those of a client with a tracheostomy and laryngectomy. D: Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) - While Ms. C may require vital signs monitoring and history-taking
Question 8 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 because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.
Question 9 of 9
When a patient states, "My son hasn't been to see me in months," the nurse's best verbal response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Reflective listening: Restating the patient's statement shows empathy and understanding. 2. Open-ended question: Encourages patient to share more without assumptions. 3. Non-judgmental: Neutral tone promotes trust and openness. 4. Validates patient's feelings: Acknowledges patient's concerns without dismissing them. Summary: A: Provides false reassurance, does not address the patient's feelings. C: Shifts focus to the nurse, not patient-centered. D: Implies judgment, may shut down communication.