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
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 3 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 4 of 9
The nursing student tearfully reports to the leader, "I took some flowers into Mr. N's (non- Hodgkin lymphoma) room to cheer him up, and he told me that he didn't think he was supposed to have flowers. I took them out of the room right away, and then I realized I had made a mistake." What should the team leader do first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is important to acknowledge and praise the student for taking responsibility for the mistake. By doing this, the team leader can encourage a culture of accountability and learning from errors. This approach supports the student's professional growth and self-awareness. Option A is incorrect because the immediate focus should be on addressing the emotional response of the student and providing support rather than assigning blame. Option B is inappropriate as it could undermine the student's confidence and discourage future initiative. Option D is premature as it prioritizes paperwork over supporting the student's learning and emotional well-being.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is performing a well-child assessment on a 15-month-old child. The child's mother and father are present. Which action by the nurse will best determine the health beliefs and values of the parents?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Actively listen to the parents talk about their lives and health concerns. This action allows the nurse to directly learn about the parents' health beliefs and values. By listening attentively, the nurse can understand the parents' perspectives, concerns, and priorities regarding their child's health. This approach promotes trust and open communication, enabling the nurse to provide individualized and culturally sensitive care. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Having the parents complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator survey is not relevant to determining their health beliefs and values. B: Reading the health histories of the child's parents and grandparents may provide some background information but may not reflect their current health beliefs and values. D: Reviewing traditional health practices of the ethnic group identified by the parents assumes that all individuals within that group hold the same beliefs, which may not be accurate.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who does not follow dietary recommendations for treatment of heart failure. Which statement, if made by the nurse, demonstrates respect for the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and respect for the client's autonomy. By stating "I care about you even if you are not following your dietary restrictions," the nurse acknowledges the client's choice while still showing concern for their well-being. This response fosters a supportive and non-judgmental relationship with the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they either show indifference, use coercion, or imply a comparison between patients based on their dietary choices. These responses do not prioritize the client's feelings, choices, or autonomy, which is essential in providing patient-centered care.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse cares for a young adult patient in the emergency room after a sexual assault. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because actively listening to the patient express feelings related to the sexual assault is crucial for providing emotional support and establishing trust. This action demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's experience. It allows the patient to process their emotions and facilitates a therapeutic relationship. Avoiding decision-making situations (A) is inappropriate as it disregards the patient's autonomy. Suggesting joining a support group (B) may be helpful but should not be the immediate priority over addressing the patient's current emotional needs. Providing detailed information about evidence collection and procedures (D) is important but should come after addressing the patient's emotional well-being.
Question 8 of 9
According to Kimble and Bamford-Wade, what distinguishes the behavior of one caring and competent nurse from another nurse who is simply competent but not engaged with the patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Warmth, the hallmark of compassion. Kimble and Bamford-Wade emphasize that warmth, which signifies compassion, is the key factor that distinguishes a caring and competent nurse from one who is solely competent but lacks engagement with the patient. This is because warmth builds trust, fosters connection, and shows genuine concern for the patient's well-being. Immediacy (A) may be important for timely care, attention (C) is vital but doesn't capture the emotional aspect, and communication (D) is essential but focuses more on the delivery of information rather than the emotional connection that warmth provides.
Question 9 of 9
When interacting with an older adult patient, the nurse would enhance communication by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because speaking slowly allows the older adult patient to process the message at their own pace, considering potential hearing or cognitive impairments. Speaking slowly also shows respect and patience. Option B is incorrect because using the first name may not be culturally appropriate or may not align with the patient's preference for formality. Option C is incorrect because standing in the doorway may be seen as disrespectful and inhibit effective communication by creating physical barriers. Option D is incorrect because speaking in simple sentences is important, but speaking as if to a child may be patronizing and disrespectful to the older adult patient.