ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who becomes confused and a vest restraint is applied. The nurse should take which action when notifying the patient's family?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because having another nurse who has a good relationship with the family present can help facilitate effective communication and address any concerns or questions the family may have. This approach can help build trust and provide emotional support during a potentially difficult situation. A: Avoiding discussing the treatment plan can lead to confusion and distrust. C: Using medical terms may confuse or intimidate the family and hinder effective communication. D: Assuming the family wants a detailed explanation may not be accurate and can result in information overload.
Question 2 of 9
A home health patient with a bleeding ulcer informs the nurse that she ate a bowl of chili with jalapenos. An inappropriate communication block with a judgmental tone by the nurse would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates a judgmental tone towards the patient's actions. The nurse is passing a negative judgment on the patient by stating that eating chili with jalapenos was not a smart decision considering the ulcer. This response can make the patient feel guilty or ashamed, hindering effective communication. Choice A shows frustration and blame towards the patient, which can lead to a defensive response. Choice C is directive and lacks empathy, focusing solely on the medical aspect without considering the patient's feelings. Choice D dismisses the patient's concerns and minimizes the impact of the action, which can be perceived as condescending. In summary, choice B is the correct answer as it highlights the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive attitude in patient communication.
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 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 4 of 9
The community health nurse is listening to a client talk about a personal problem. Which of these actions by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because leaning towards the client and making eye contact demonstrates active listening and empathy, helping to build rapport and trust. This non-verbal communication shows the client that the nurse is engaged and attentive, creating a safe space for them to share their personal problem. Increasing physical distance (A) may convey disinterest or lack of connection. Periodically interrupting the client (C) can disrupt the flow of conversation and hinder the client's ability to express themselves. Initiating a physical assessment (D) would be inappropriate as it could feel intrusive and insensitive given the context of the client discussing a personal problem. Overall, choice B fosters a supportive environment for effective communication and client-centered care.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse observes a student nurse who demonstrates nonverbal expressions that are cold and convey disinterest when caring for patients. Which statement, if made by the nurse, is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. This response provides constructive feedback by suggesting a specific action for improvement. Here's a step-by-step rationale: 1. Option A is incorrect because it is negative and does not offer guidance for improvement. 2. Option B is incorrect because it is judgmental and may be discouraging to the student nurse. 3. Option D is incorrect because it is vague and lacks specificity on how to change behavior. 4. Option C is the best choice as it offers a positive solution by providing guidance on how to improve through observation and learning from the nurse's warmth towards patients.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has metastatic cancer. Which action(s) by the nurse conveys warmth? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Show interest by occasional head nodding. This action conveys warmth by demonstrating active listening and engagement with the patient. It shows empathy and understanding without being intrusive. Avoiding distracting actions such as hand gestures (A) may come across as cold or disinterested. Leaning forward toward the patient at a 45-degree angle (C) can be perceived as invading personal space. Placing arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting (D) may appear defensive or closed off, lacking warmth and openness.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse can best ensure that communication is understood by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: obtaining feedback from the patient that indicates accurate comprehension. This is the best way to ensure effective communication because it directly involves the patient in the communication process, allowing for clarification if needed. By receiving feedback from the patient, the nurse can confirm whether the information has been understood correctly. This approach promotes active listening and engagement from the patient, enhancing the likelihood of accurate communication. Incorrect choices: A: Speaking slowly and clearly in the patient's native language may help, but it does not guarantee comprehension. B: Asking family members may not accurately reflect the patient's understanding and could lead to miscommunication. D: Checking for signs of hearing loss or aphasia is important, but it does not directly assess the patient's understanding of the communication.
Question 8 of 9
Mr. U (pulmonary resection) has developed a tension pneumothorax. He is currently receiving high-flow oxygen via nonrebreather mask but continues to experience respiratory distress. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform a needle thoracotomy with a 14- to 16-gauge catheter needle. Rationale: 1. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse and increased pressure in the chest. 2. The standard treatment for tension pneumothorax is needle thoracostomy, which involves inserting a large-bore needle into the chest to release the trapped air. 3. In this scenario, Mr. U is in respiratory distress despite receiving high-flow oxygen, indicating a significant problem with ventilation that requires immediate intervention. 4. Performing a needle thoracotomy will rapidly decompress the tension pneumothorax, relieving pressure on the heart and lungs, and improving respiratory function. 5. This action takes precedence over other options such as removing the occlusive dressing, initiating CPR, or calling for intubation equipment, as immediate decompression is crucial in managing tension pneumoth
Question 9 of 9
A patient is attracted to the nurse and attempts to initiate a social relationship. It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to maintain professional boundaries with patients to ensure ethical practice and prevent potential harm. By telling the patient that the relationship must remain professional, the nurse sets clear boundaries and maintains the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. This approach protects both the patient and the nurse from potential ethical violations. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the behavior could lead to boundary violations and harm the therapeutic relationship. Choice B is not the most appropriate immediate action as it does not address the situation directly with the patient. Choice D is also not the best course of action as transferring the patient does not address the underlying issue of maintaining professional boundaries.