ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The author describes the patient journey as driving down a country road and somehow getting lost. At that moment and time, all that is needed is clear directions about how to get to your destination, not about types of entertainment in the area. The same is true for patients. Accordingly, a part of each nursing assessment should include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A: Patient's need for information and level of understanding Rationale: 1. Patient education is essential for informed decision-making and self-management. 2. Assessing the patient's need for information ensures tailored communication. 3. Understanding the patient's level of understanding helps in providing appropriate explanations. 4. Clear directions on treatment plans and expectations improve patient outcomes. Other Choices: B: Detailed overview of disease process - This may overwhelm the patient and not address their immediate need for guidance. C: Specific examples from other patients with same disease - Confidentiality and individual differences may make this approach ineffective. D: Nurse's feelings about newest treatment modality - Not relevant to the patient's immediate need for guidance and information.
Question 2 of 9
Which assessment findings accompany a tension pneumothorax? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Severe dyspnea. In a tension pneumothorax, air accumulates in the pleural space, increasing pressure in the chest cavity, leading to severe dyspnea due to impaired lung expansion. Extreme agitation (B) is not a typical finding. Tracheal deviation (C) is seen in tension pneumothorax, not always present. Progressive cyanosis (D) may occur but is not as specific as severe dyspnea.
Question 3 of 9
The home care nurse visits a mother and her newborn 2 days after discharge from the hospital. The mother states, "My baby cries all the time. I must not be a very good mother." Which response by the nurse is nontherapeutic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it suggests avoiding the issue rather than addressing the mother's feelings of inadequacy. A is therapeutic as it acknowledges the mother's concerns. B shows empathy and physical support. D encourages the mother to further express her feelings for better understanding. Ultimately, C is nontherapeutic as it dismisses the mother's emotions without addressing them directly.
Question 4 of 9
When communicating with a preschooler, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Preschoolers have limited vocabulary and understanding, so using familiar words is essential. Step 2: Simple, short sentences are easier for preschoolers to comprehend. Step 3: Concrete explanations help preschoolers grasp concepts better. Step 4: Considering developmental level ensures effective communication. Summary: A, B, and C are incorrect as they go against the principles of effective communication with preschoolers.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The nurse states, "If I were you, I would have radiation therapy." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Giving advice. In this scenario, the nurse is directly advising the patient on a course of action without fully understanding the patient's individual needs or preferences. Giving advice can hinder effective communication as it may come across as imposing one's own opinions onto the patient. In this case, the nurse should focus on empathetic listening and supporting the patient in making their own informed decisions. Incorrect choices: A: Inattentive listening - This refers to not paying attention to the patient, which is not demonstrated in the scenario. C: Using clichés - Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality, which is not the issue in the nurse's statement. D: Defensive response - This involves reacting defensively to criticism or feedback, which is not applicable to the nurse's advice-giving behavior in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
When the patient says, "I get so anxious just lying here in this hospital bed. I have a million things I should be doing at home," the most empathetic response would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - "It sounds like you're having a tough time dealing with this situation." Rationale: 1. Acknowledges feelings: The response acknowledges the patient's feelings of anxiety and difficulty. 2. Empathy: It shows empathy by recognizing the patient's emotional state. 3. Validation: Validates the patient's experience without making assumptions or minimizing their feelings. Incorrect Choices: A: Invalidating response, assumes feelings. C: Provides a generic platitude, lacks specific acknowledgment of the patient's feelings. D: Appears judgmental and dismissive of the patient's emotions.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is alert to avoid using blocks to effective communication that include: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: changing the subject. This is because changing the subject can disrupt the flow of communication and hinder understanding. By abruptly shifting the focus away from the current topic, the nurse may miss important information or fail to address the patient's concerns. Nonjudgmental remarks (B) are encouraged to foster open communication. Giving advice (C) and asking probing questions (D) can be effective communication tools when used appropriately, but they may not necessarily block effective communication if done in a respectful and empathetic manner.
Question 8 of 9
Which are examples of a nurse who is communicating responsibly? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because helping a client talk to family members about discontinuing chemotherapy shows responsible communication by facilitating important discussions. This choice demonstrates respect for the client's autonomy and promotes informed decision-making. Choice A is incorrect because using profanity is unprofessional and disrespectful. Choice C is incorrect as it focuses on coping strategies, not necessarily responsible communication. Choice D is incorrect as sharing a client's health information without consent violates confidentiality.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse observes a nursing assistant interacting with an elderly patient. Which statement by the nursing assistant requires an immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because addressing an elderly patient as "Sweetie" is unprofessional and inappropriate. It can be seen as demeaning and disrespectful. The nurse should intervene immediately to remind the nursing assistant to maintain a professional and respectful tone when speaking to patients. A, B, and C are not the correct answers because they all involve appropriate and respectful ways of interacting with elderly patients. Offering to help remember the room location, reading from the patient's Bible, and asking for stories about their youth are all positive ways to engage with the patient and provide compassionate care.