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:

Questions 52

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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

The nurse instructs a client who is diagnosed with hypertension about weight reduction and dietary guidelines. Which action by the nurse would most likely improve the client's willingness to lose weight and eat healthy foods?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Give genuine praise to the client for trying to improve dietary habits. This action reinforces positive behavior and motivates the client to continue making healthy choices. It creates a supportive and encouraging environment, which can enhance the client's willingness to stick to the weight reduction and dietary guidelines. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Avoiding interaction during meals may lead to the client feeling isolated and unsupported, hindering their motivation. B: Ignoring the client's requests for unhealthy foods does not address the underlying reasons for those cravings and may create feelings of deprivation. D: Warning about potential negative consequences of being overweight can induce fear and anxiety, which are not effective motivators for sustainable behavior change.

Question 3 of 9

The nurse is aware that the use of false reassurance is harmful to the nurse-patient relationship, because this communication block:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because false reassurance dismisses the patient's concerns, invalidating their feelings and diminishing trust. By not acknowledging the patient's worries, the nurse fails to address the root of the issue and hinders open communication. Choice B is incorrect because false reassurance does not necessarily imply judgment. Choice C is incorrect as it does not summarize concerns but rather downplays them. Choice D is incorrect as it does not confuse the patient but rather fails to address their emotional needs.

Question 4 of 9

The nurse cares for an adult client diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which is essential in building mutuality in the nurse– client relationship?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because building mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves collaboration and shared decision-making. By involving the client in making decisions about self-care, the nurse fosters a sense of partnership and empowers the client to take ownership of their health. This approach promotes trust, respect, and active participation in managing diabetes. A is incorrect because retaining power and making judgments can create a hierarchical relationship, undermining mutuality. C is incorrect as having expert knowledge is important, but it does not necessarily build mutuality without involving the client in decision-making. D is incorrect because solving problems for the client may hinder their autonomy and growth in managing their condition independently.

Question 5 of 9

The nurse cares for elderly clients in an assisted living center. Which action by the nurse would best show respect for these clients?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because listening to the clients to identify their healthcare needs demonstrates respect by valuing their input and autonomy. It acknowledges their individuality and promotes person-centered care. A is incorrect because patronizing clients is disrespectful and undermines their autonomy. C is incorrect because addressing clients formally by their last names may not necessarily show respect if it is not the preferred form of address for the clients. D is incorrect because limiting the clients' opportunities to express opinions goes against respecting their autonomy and dignity.

Question 6 of 9

A patient asks the nurse to make a decision for her about whether or not to continue taking hormone replacement therapy (estrogen). Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it supports patient autonomy and informed decision-making. As a nurse, it is essential to empower patients to make their own healthcare decisions. By offering to answer questions and providing information, the nurse encourages the patient to take an active role in their treatment plan. This approach respects the patient's right to choose and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is incorrect as it deflects responsibility and does not encourage the patient to be involved in the decision-making process. Choice B is irrelevant as personal anecdotes are not a reliable basis for medical decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it promotes personal preference over evidence-based practice. Ultimately, choice C aligns with ethical principles of patient-centered care and respects the patient's autonomy.

Question 7 of 9

Mr. L (tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy) has been receiving 10 mg of IV morphine for pain. The HCP tells the nurse that Mr. L will be switched to oral (liquid) hydromorphone 5 mg. When the nurse checks an equianalgesic dose table, she sees that 10 mg of morphine equals 5 mg of hydromorphone. What should the nurse do?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step 1: Understand that equianalgesic doses are based on average conversion ratios. Step 2: Recognize that individual patient variations can affect opioid conversion accuracy. Step 3: Understand that cross-tolerance can impact the efficacy of equianalgesic conversions. Step 4: Acknowledge that upward titration may be necessary to ensure adequate pain control. Step 5: Realize that starting with a lower dose of hydromorphone may not provide adequate pain relief due to potential cross-tolerance. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it emphasizes the importance of considering individual patient factors and the potential need for upward titration to ensure safety and efficacy in pain management. Summary: - Option A is incorrect because it focuses on verifying the equianalgesic dose rather than considering individual patient factors. - Option C is irrelevant as it does not address the need for potential dose adjustment. - Option D is incomplete and does not provide any guidance on managing the opioid

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 has implemented a plan to improve expression of warmth to other nurses. It is most important for the nurse to include which evaluation method?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because self-monitoring interactions with colleagues allows the nurse to reflect on their own behaviors and emotions, promoting self-awareness and personal growth. This method enables the nurse to assess their progress in expressing warmth effectively. Incorrect answers: B: Asking patients for their perception focuses on patient-nurse interactions, not nurse-nurse interactions. C: Involving a supervisor may not provide accurate feedback on warmth expression among colleagues. D: Seeking nominations for an award does not necessarily assess the nurse's ability to express warmth to other nurses.

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