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
Which statement, if made by the nurse, could positively affect the course of the patient's situation by suggestibility?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it focuses on the positive aspect of breastfeeding, which is bonding with the baby. This statement can positively influence the patient's attitude and motivation towards breastfeeding. Choice B is incorrect as it introduces a negative aspect of breastfeeding. Choice C is unrelated to the positive impact of breastfeeding. Choice D introduces fear and negativity, which can hinder the patient's confidence in breastfeeding.
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
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 5 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.
Question 6 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 7 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.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by the staff nurse is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it directly and assertively communicates the staff nurse's inability to work an extra shift. This response sets clear boundaries and respects the nurse's own limitations and well-being. It is based on rational beliefs as it acknowledges personal capacity without guilt or unnecessary explanations. Explanation of other choices: A: This choice is not assertive as it prioritizes avoiding upsetting the nurse manager over the nurse's own needs and boundaries. B: This response is confrontational and does not address the request directly, focusing instead on questioning past occurrences. D: While this response offers to work the extra shift as a last resort, it does not assert the nurse's own limitations clearly, leaving room for potential guilt or manipulation.
Question 9 of 9
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 helpful self-disclosure because it allows the nurse to understand the parents' emotions and experiences before sharing their own. By actively listening and observing, the nurse can establish a connection with the parents and demonstrate empathy. This step sets the foundation for effective communication and builds trust between the nurse and the parents. Incorrect choices: A: Succinctly share a personal experience that is a similar grieving experience. This is not the first step because it doesn't consider the parents' feelings and might come across as insensitive or self-centered. C: Reflect upon the parent's statements to communicate understanding. While reflection is important, it should come after active listening to ensure the nurse fully grasps the parents' emotions. D: Seek verification that the self-disclosure was helpful to the child's parents. Seeking verification should come at a later stage after the nurse has provided support and guidance through