ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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. Showing interest by occasional head nodding conveys warmth as it demonstrates active listening and engagement with the patient. This non-verbal cue can make the patient feel heard and understood. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding distracting actions like hand gestures may come off as cold or disinterested. Choice C leaning forward at a 45-degree angle can be perceived as invading the patient's personal space rather than conveying warmth. Choice D, placing arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting, can be interpreted as defensive or closed-off, which does not communicate warmth to the patient.
Question 2 of 5
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: Give genuine praise to the client for trying to improve dietary habits. This action reinforces positive behavior and motivates the client to continue making healthy choices. It creates a supportive and encouraging environment, which can enhance the client's willingness to stick to the weight reduction and dietary guidelines. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Avoiding interaction during meals may lead to the client feeling isolated and unsupported, hindering their motivation. B: Ignoring the client's requests for unhealthy foods does not address the underlying reasons for those cravings and may create feelings of deprivation. D: Warning about potential negative consequences of being overweight can induce fear and anxiety, which are not effective motivators for sustainable behavior change.
Question 3 of 5
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 5
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 the mother's feelings shows empathy and understanding, validating her emotions. This response helps build trust and rapport, facilitating therapeutic communication. Option A focuses more on nonverbal cues, which may not convey the same level of understanding. Option C, repeating exact phrases, could come across as insincere or robotic. Option D, reflecting with the nurse's words, may not fully capture the mother's emotions. In summary, choice B is the most appropriate as it demonstrates active listening and genuine concern for the mother's grieving process.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse plans to use self-disclosure to aid a mother and father in the grieving process after the death of their child. The steps of a helpful self-disclosure appear below. What is the first step?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Listen to the parents talk about their child and observe their movements and gestures. This is the first step in using self-disclosure effectively to aid in the grieving process. By actively listening to the parents talk about their child and observing their non-verbal cues, the nurse can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences. This step helps build rapport and trust, showing empathy and validation for the parents' feelings. The other choices are incorrect: A: Succinctly share a personal experience that is a similar grieving experience - This step should come after listening to the parents and understanding their situation. C: Reflect upon the parent's statements to communicate understanding - Reflecting on the parents' statements is important, but it is not the initial step in the self-disclosure process. D: Seek verification that the self-disclosure was helpful to the child's parents - Seeking verification should come later in the process, after the self-disclosure has been made and its impact assessed.