ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 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 dismisses the mother's feelings and suggests a temporary distraction instead of addressing her concerns. Choice A validates the mother's feelings and promotes open communication. Choice B demonstrates empathy and physical support. Choice D encourages the mother to express her emotions further for better understanding. Overall, choice C is nontherapeutic as it does not address the underlying issue of the mother's feelings of inadequacy and instead offers a superficial solution.
Question 2 of 9
During the initial interview of a patient, the nurse should: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: assess the language capabilities of the patient. This is crucial to ensure effective communication and understanding. By assessing language capabilities, the nurse can tailor communication strategies appropriately. Option B is helpful but not as essential as language assessment. Option C is incorrect as the interview duration should be based on patient needs, not a set time limit. Option D is relevant, but assessing comprehension abilities alone may not be sufficient if language barriers exist.
Question 3 of 9
Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective communication strategies?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it addresses the emotional or attitudinal aspect of learning effective communication strategies. Believing that positive communication strategies build confidence reflects the affective domain of learning, which involves feelings, attitudes, and beliefs. This statement emphasizes the importance of mindset and attitude in communication effectiveness. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Choice A focuses on the behavioral aspect of communication strategies, not the affective aspect. B: Choice B emphasizes the non-verbal communication aspect, which is related to the behavioral domain, not the affective domain. D: Choice D highlights the behavioral aspect of using assertive and responsible communication strategies, not the affective aspect.
Question 4 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 because giving genuine praise to the client for trying to improve dietary habits can positively reinforce their efforts and motivation to continue making healthy choices. This positive reinforcement can help the client feel supported and encouraged in their weight reduction and dietary goals. Choice A is incorrect because avoiding interaction during meals may make the client feel isolated and unsupported. Choice B is incorrect because ignoring the client's requests for high-fat or high-calorie foods may lead to feelings of deprivation and resistance to dietary changes. Choice D is incorrect because warning the client about potential negative consequences of being overweight can induce fear and may not be effective in promoting long-term behavior change.
Question 5 of 9
The hospital nurse educator develops an educational session for staff nurses on how to clearly record data in a patient's electronic medical record. Which key point should the nurse educator include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because documenting the frequency of assessments and interventions for high-risk patients, such as those at risk for falls, is crucial for patient safety and care coordination. By documenting more frequently for high-risk patients, nurses can ensure timely interventions and prevent adverse events. This practice aligns with the principles of patient-centered care and risk management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Avoiding labels in documentation is important for professionalism and ethical practice, but it is not directly related to the frequency of documentation for high-risk patients. C: Detailed and specific documentation is required for all patients to ensure comprehensive care, not just for potential malpractice suits. D: While clear and concise documentation is essential, this choice does not specifically address the need for more frequent documentation for high-risk patients.
Question 6 of 9
While interviewing a Native American man for the admission history, the nurse should expect to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the cultural communication norms of Native American individuals, who may take longer pauses during conversations to reflect and respond thoughtfully. By waiting patiently through these pauses, the nurse shows respect for the individual's communication style and allows for effective dialogue. Option B is incorrect because maintaining constant eye contact may be perceived as confrontational or disrespectful in some Native American cultures. Option C is incorrect as it assumes the patient needs permission to speak, which may not align with their cultural norms. Option D is incorrect as it undermines the individual's autonomy and may not accurately represent their perspective.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse tells a patient, "For the last 2 days we have talked about whether to notify your daughter of your upcoming surgery in 2 days. You have indicated you do not want to be a burden to her, but you also would like to have her here. You may have to decide rather quickly because of the time constraint." The nurse is using the technique of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: summarizing. Summarizing involves presenting the problem and potential solutions to the patient in a clear and concise manner. In this scenario, the nurse is summarizing the patient's thoughts and concerns about notifying their daughter of the upcoming surgery. By doing so, the nurse is helping the patient to make a decision by clarifying the situation and potential options. This technique allows the patient to reflect on the information presented and make an informed choice. A: Focusing involves directing the conversation to a specific topic or issue. B: Reflection involves restating the patient's feelings or thoughts to show understanding. C: Restatement involves repeating the patient's words to confirm understanding. Therefore, the correct answer is D because summarizing is the technique being used in this scenario to help the patient make a decision regarding notifying their daughter about the upcoming surgery.
Question 8 of 9
While admitting a patient to the medical unit, the nurse should take which action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a plan of care and measurable objectives with the patient promotes patient-centered care, encourages collaboration, and ensures the patient's active involvement in their own care. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and preferences, fosters shared decision-making, and enhances treatment adherence. A: Demonstrating human caring by hugging the patient may not be appropriate as it can violate professional boundaries and personal space. B: Disclosing shared intimate details with other healthcare providers breaches patient confidentiality and violates privacy rights. C: Maintaining a physical distance of at least 3 to 4 feet at all times may be necessary for infection control but does not address the core aspect of involving the patient in their care plan.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse cares for the mother of a child who died in the emergency room as a result of an accidental poisoning. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because accurately reflecting on the mother's feelings shows understanding and empathy, validating her emotions. This approach helps establish trust and connection, essential in providing emotional support. A: Placing greater emphasis on nonverbal aspects may not effectively convey empathy and understanding. C: Merely repeating exact phrases may come off as insincere and robotic, lacking genuine empathy. D: Reflecting on the mother's feelings using the nurse's own words may not accurately capture the depth of the mother's emotions and may lead to misinterpretation.