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

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 3 of 9

An experienced nurse is supervising a student nurse in an acute care setting. Which statement, if made by the experienced nurse, would be most appropriate to help the student nurse establish credibility with other nurses on the unit?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Be honest with the nurses about your strengths and about areas that need improvement." This statement is the most appropriate because it emphasizes the importance of being transparent and authentic in one's interactions. By acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement, the student nurse shows humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. This approach fosters trust and respect from other nurses, as it demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth. Option A is incorrect because it discourages the student nurse by implying that credibility is unattainable due to lack of experience. Option B is incorrect as it suggests hiding feelings of inadequacy, which can lead to inauthenticity and hinder genuine connections with colleagues. Option D is incorrect as it promotes a superficial and transactional approach to building relationships, rather than focusing on genuine communication and mutual respect.

Question 4 of 9

According to the ANA's Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice, there are several steps within the nursing process that surround patient care. However, one of the most important steps is the one in which the nurse partners with the patient, family, and other caregivers to create an acceptable path that meets the patient's needs and is specific to the disease process. This important step is identified as:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Planning. Planning involves collaboration with the patient, family, and caregivers to develop a course of action that addresses the patient's needs and is tailored to the disease process. This step ensures that care is individualized and effective. Evaluation (A) occurs after implementing the plan to assess outcomes. Implementation (C) involves carrying out the plan. Nursing diagnosis (D) is the identification of patient issues, not the collaborative planning process. In summary, planning is crucial as it guides the care process and ensures patient-centered care.

Question 5 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 6 of 9

The team leader is working through the preoperative checklist and Ms. G, who has a breast lump, begins to cry. "What do you think about this breast surgery? My friend's arm got really swollen after she had the surgery. Can't I just take medication?" What is the priority nursing concept to consider in responding to Ms. G?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anxiety. The priority nursing concept to consider in responding to Ms. G is anxiety because her emotional distress is evident through crying and expressing concerns about surgery. Addressing her anxiety is crucial to provide emotional support and ensure her well-being throughout the surgical process. By acknowledging her feelings, the nurse can help alleviate her fears, provide education about the surgery, and offer coping strategies. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the immediate emotional needs of the patient in this situation. Cellular regulation focuses on physiological processes, functional ability pertains to physical capabilities, and adherence relates to following treatment plans, which are not the primary concerns when a patient is experiencing anxiety and emotional distress.

Question 7 of 9

The nurse cares for a patient who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and does not consistently follow the dietary restrictions and exercise recommendations. The patient takes a daily oral hypoglycemic agent as prescribed. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it focuses on encouraging the patient to engage in physical activity, which is important in managing type 2 diabetes. Walking a few blocks every other day can help improve blood sugar control. Choice A is incorrect because while taking medication is important, it is not the only aspect of managing diabetes. Choice C is inappropriate as it is judgmental and can damage the nurse-patient relationship. Choice D is incorrect as it is defeatist and does not promote positive behavior change.

Question 8 of 9

The team leader must assign a UAP to help care for Mr. N with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For this neutropenic client, which factor is most important in making this assignment?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because the UAP having no experience with neutropenic precautions is the most important factor to consider when assigning care for a neutropenic client like Mr. N. Neutropenic clients are at high risk for infections due to low white blood cell count, so it is crucial for the UAP to have knowledge and experience in following strict infection control practices. Choices A, B, and D are not as critical because a UAP being pregnant in the first trimester, having cold symptoms, or having a fear of isolation clients do not directly impact their ability to provide safe care for a neutropenic client.

Question 9 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.

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