ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 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 2 of 9
The nurse provides care for a male patient. When the nurse addresses the patient, which would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient how he prefers to be addressed. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and personal preferences, promoting patient-centered care. By asking the patient directly, the nurse acknowledges the patient's individuality and ensures respectful communication. A: Using both first and last name with each encounter may come across as too formal or impersonal for some patients, potentially creating a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Calling the patient by his first name without consent may be perceived as too familiar or disrespectful by some patients, leading to discomfort or a lack of trust in the nurse. D: Addressing the patient by his last name may be too formal for some patients and can create a sense of distance or hierarchy in the nurse-patient relationship.
Question 3 of 9
A nurse using active listening techniques would:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Answer A is correct because active listening involves using nonverbal cues such as leaning forward, focusing on the speaker's face, and nodding slightly to show that you are engaged and understanding the message. Leaning forward demonstrates interest, focusing on the face shows attentiveness, and nodding indicates acknowledgment. These actions encourage the speaker to continue sharing and feel heard. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Avoiding eye contact can make the speaker feel ignored or disconnected, which goes against the principles of active listening. C: Anticipating what the speaker is trying to say and finishing their sentences is not active listening; it can be seen as interrupting and not allowing the speaker to express themselves fully. D: Asking probing questions and directing the conversation towards obtaining specific information efficiently is not active listening. It can come across as controlling the conversation rather than actively listening to the speaker.
Question 4 of 9
In the early postoperative period, what is the priority concern for Mr. L, who has a tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: High risk for aspiration because of secretions and removal of epiglottis. This is the priority concern for Mr. L due to the risk of food or liquid entering the airway, leading to aspiration pneumonia and respiratory distress. The tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy compromise the airway protection mechanism, increasing the risk of aspiration. Options A and B are not the priority as infection and poor nutrition can be managed after addressing the risk of aspiration. Option C, while important for communication, is not as immediately life-threatening as the risk of aspiration.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse prepares to obtain a health history from a hospitalized patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect the patient's privacy by closing the door. Closing the door ensures confidentiality and privacy during the health history interview. This step is crucial to maintain the patient's dignity and foster trust. Setting time limits (choice A) may compromise the quality of the assessment. Avoiding upsetting questions (choice B) may hinder the gathering of important information. Standing at the foot of the bed for eye contact (choice D) is not appropriate as it may seem confrontational and uncomfortable for the patient.
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
A patient asks the nurse, "What would you do if you had cancer and had to choose between surgery and chemotherapy?" The reply that can best help the patient is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer B is correct: 1. Answer B encourages patient autonomy by asking what solutions the patient has considered. 2. This response acknowledges the patient's ability to make decisions about their own healthcare. 3. By asking the patient about their considered solutions, the nurse can guide the discussion towards exploring different options. 4. This approach promotes shared decision-making between the patient and healthcare provider. 5. It empowers the patient to actively participate in their treatment planning. 6. Ultimately, answer B respects the patient's autonomy, fosters open communication, and supports informed decision-making.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
Which nonverbal action(s) would be consistent with an assertive style of communication? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Relaxed posture) because assertive communication involves being confident and composed. A relaxed posture signifies confidence and comfort in oneself. Choices B (Established eye contact) can also be consistent with assertiveness as it shows engagement and confidence. Choices C (Hands placed on hips) may come across as aggressive rather than assertive. Choice D (Distant, soft voice) is more indicative of a passive communication style, lacking the firmness associated with assertiveness. In summary, choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the confident and self-assured characteristics of assertive communication.