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
It would be most important for the nurse to temporarily withdraw expressions of warmth to which patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient with a history of violent behavior poses a potential risk to the nurse's safety. Temporarily withdrawing expressions of warmth is important to establish boundaries and ensure safety. Choice A involves an angry patient, but the risk of violence is higher with a history of violent behavior. Choices B and C do not indicate immediate safety concerns.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 of 9
A hospital nurse is concerned about the demands of providing safe care to clients who are seriously ill. The nurse manager should suggest which intervention to effectively help the nurse balance the demanding work in the hospital setting?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Request a transfer to another nursing care unit with patients who are stable. Rationale: 1. By transferring to a unit with stable patients, the nurse can reduce the demands of caring for seriously ill clients. 2. This intervention helps in balancing the workload and provides a less stressful environment for the nurse. 3. It allows the nurse to focus on providing safe care without being overwhelmed by the demands of seriously ill patients. Incorrect choices: A: Delegating more tasks to unlicensed nursing personnel may not address the root cause of the nurse's concern and could potentially compromise patient safety. C: Writing stories in a journal may be a helpful coping mechanism but does not directly address the nurse's workload concerns. D: Using an assertive communication style is important but may not be the most effective solution for balancing the demands of caring for seriously ill clients.
Question 6 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.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who is concerned about living alone. The best response by the nurse is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy by asking for the patient's thoughts first, respecting their autonomy. It promotes open communication and understanding of the patient's concerns. Choice B may come off as judgmental or invasive. Choice C imposes the nurse's opinion on the patient, disregarding their feelings. Choice D is incomplete.
Question 9 of 9
When an office nurse asks the patient to repeat information that he has just given to the patient over the telephone, the nurse is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the patient to repeat the information verifies their understanding. This is crucial in healthcare to ensure accurate communication and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on intelligence rather than comprehension. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is motivated by avoiding negligence rather than patient care. Choice D is incorrect as saving time should not compromise patient understanding.Verifying patient comprehension fosters effective communication and prevents errors.