ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions
Question 1 of 9
The home health nurse visits a client with heart failure who has increased dyspnea and peripheral edema and weight gain. The nurse suspects the client is not restricting fluids as prescribed. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Asking the client to report the amount of fluid intake for the past 24 hours is the most appropriate action because it provides objective data on the client's adherence to fluid restrictions. Step 2: This information helps the nurse to assess the client's compliance and make informed decisions about the next steps in care. Step 3: By obtaining accurate information on fluid intake, the nurse can identify any discrepancies between prescribed fluid restrictions and actual intake, leading to appropriate interventions. Step 4: This action promotes client accountability and empowers them to take an active role in managing their health. In summary, choice B is correct as it directly addresses the issue of non-adherence to fluid restrictions by gathering crucial information for assessment and intervention. Choices A, C, and D do not provide immediate actionable data on the client's fluid intake and do not address the core issue effectively.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who has several options for cancer treatment. Which document supports the client's right to have access to information about treatment options?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The Patient's Bill of Rights. This document ensures the client's right to access information about treatment options. It outlines the client's right to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare. Choice A (The Standards of Clinical Practice) may provide guidelines for healthcare professionals but does not directly address the client's right to information. Choice B (An Advance Health Care Directive) is a legal document specifying a person's wishes for healthcare decisions if they become unable to make decisions, not specifically about access to treatment options. Choice D (A Client's Living Will) is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in case they are unable to communicate, but it does not guarantee access to information about treatment options.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Which statement by the nurse is therapeutic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's emotions. Acknowledging the patient's fear shows understanding and support, which is essential in therapeutic communication. Choice B gives false hope and may not be accurate. Choice C dismisses the seriousness of the diagnosis. Choice D is unrelated and does not address the patient's emotional needs. In summary, choice A is therapeutic as it shows empathy and support, while the other choices are either inaccurate, dismissive, or irrelevant.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assertive, responsible, and caring communication. This approach is effective because it involves setting clear boundaries (assertive), taking ownership of the situation (responsible), and showing empathy and support (caring). By being assertive, the nurse can communicate expectations clearly. Being responsible conveys accountability and encourages the patient to take ownership of their health. The caring aspect fosters a supportive environment, making the patient feel understood and motivated to change. Choice A (Authoritative, honest, and outright communication) may come off as too forceful and may not promote cooperation. Choice C (Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication) is contradictory - being aggressive does not align with being sympathetic. Choice D (Positive, expert, and focused communication) lacks the element of assertiveness needed to set clear boundaries and expectations.
Question 5 of 9
The home care nurse is assigned to make the first home visit to a new client who has been discharged from the hospital. After initial introductions, the nurse should take which action to convey respect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wear a name badge that clearly identifies the home care agency. This action conveys professionalism, credibility, and respect for the client by clearly identifying the nurse's affiliation and role. It helps establish trust and ensures transparency. A: Asking the client to develop a list of needs for the next visit may be premature and could come across as insensitive or overwhelming for the client during the initial meeting. It does not directly convey respect. C: Providing contact information for other clients as references is inappropriate and breaches confidentiality. It can also violate the client's privacy and trust. This action does not convey respect. D: Assuring the client of confidentiality is important, but it may not directly convey respect in the same way as wearing a name badge does. It is an essential aspect of professionalism but does not establish credibility or respect as visibly as wearing a name badge.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse caring for a patient who fell off the roof while he was intoxicated asks the patient, "Why in the world were you on the roof when you had been drinking?" The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asking probing questions. In this scenario, the nurse's question is intrusive and seeks detailed information that may not be necessary for the patient's care. Probing questions can make the patient feel uncomfortable and defensive, hindering effective communication. By asking why the patient was on the roof while intoxicated, the nurse is not focusing on the immediate care needs of the patient but rather delving into personal details. This type of communication can lead to a breakdown in trust between the nurse and the patient. Summary: A: Changing the subject - This is not the correct choice as the nurse's statement does not involve diverting the conversation to a different topic. B: Defensive response - This is not the correct choice as the nurse's statement is not defensive but rather inquisitive. C: Inattentive listening - This is not the correct choice as the nurse is actively engaging in conversation with the patient, albeit in a probing manner.
Question 7 of 9
Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse–client relationship? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together towards shared goals, with both parties actively participating and contributing to decision-making processes. Collaboration fosters a relationship based on equality, respect, and shared responsibility, leading to improved outcomes for the client. A: Dependency is not a characteristic of mutuality as it implies one party relying solely on the other, which goes against the principles of collaboration and shared decision-making. C: Paternalism is not a characteristic of mutuality as it involves a one-sided approach where the nurse makes decisions on behalf of the client without their active involvement or input. D: Acceptance of differences, while important in promoting understanding and respect in the relationship, is not a defining characteristic of mutuality. It is more about acknowledging and respecting each other's unique perspectives rather than actively collaborating towards common goals.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse is delegating to a nursing assistant. The most appropriate form of this type of communication would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides clear, specific instructions for the nursing assistant on when to notify the nurse about Mr. Jones' condition. It includes a specific parameter (heart rate greater than 100) which helps in identifying the urgency of the situation. Options A, B, and C are vague and lack specificity, making it difficult for the nursing assistant to know when to escalate the situation. Option D ensures effective communication and appropriate delegation by setting clear expectations for when the nurse needs to be notified.
Question 9 of 9
When the nurse is giving direction to a nursing assistant who is being delegated part of the patient care, the nurse's most effective direction would be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it provides clear and specific instructions by prioritizing tasks (morning care) and specifying the patients (205 and 206, bedridden). This ensures efficient and effective care delivery. Choice B lacks specificity and may overwhelm the nursing assistant. Choice C and D are incomplete, providing no guidance. To delegate effectively, clear instructions, prioritization, and consideration of patient needs are essential.