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 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 3 of 9
Ms. C (bowel resection) repeatedly refuses to perform a return demonstration of any aspect of colostomy care. Despite steady improvement and independent resumption of other ADLs, she protests, "I'm too weak. You'll have to do it for me." At this point, what is the priority nursing concept to consider in planning interventions for Ms. C?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Functional ability. This is because the priority nursing concept to consider in planning interventions for Ms. C is her ability to independently perform colostomy care. By refusing to demonstrate, she may be indicating a lack of functional ability to manage this aspect of self-care. This is essential for her long-term independence and quality of life. Mobility (choice A) is important but not the priority in this case. Tissue integrity (choice B) is also crucial but not as immediate as ensuring functional ability. Coping (choice D) is important for emotional well-being but does not address the primary issue of functional ability for self-care.
Question 4 of 9
A patient is attracted to the nurse and attempts to initiate a social relationship. It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to maintain professional boundaries with patients to ensure ethical practice and prevent potential harm. By telling the patient that the relationship must remain professional, the nurse sets clear boundaries and maintains the integrity of the therapeutic relationship. This approach protects both the patient and the nurse from potential ethical violations. Choice A is incorrect because encouraging the behavior could lead to boundary violations and harm the therapeutic relationship. Choice B is not the most appropriate immediate action as it does not address the situation directly with the patient. Choice D is also not the best course of action as transferring the patient does not address the underlying issue of maintaining professional boundaries.
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
During the initial interview of a patient, the nurse should: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: assess the language capabilities of the patient. This is crucial to ensure effective communication and understanding. By assessing language capabilities, the nurse can tailor communication strategies appropriately. Option B is helpful but not as essential as language assessment. Option C is incorrect as the interview duration should be based on patient needs, not a set time limit. Option D is relevant, but assessing comprehension abilities alone may not be sufficient if language barriers exist.
Question 7 of 9
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 on the mother's feelings shows understanding and empathy, validating her emotions. This approach helps establish trust and connection, essential in providing emotional support. A: Placing greater emphasis on nonverbal aspects may not effectively convey empathy and understanding. C: Merely repeating exact phrases may come off as insincere and robotic, lacking genuine empathy. D: Reflecting on the mother's feelings using the nurse's own words may not accurately capture the depth of the mother's emotions and may lead to misinterpretation.
Question 8 of 9
Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective communication strategies?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it addresses the emotional or attitudinal aspect of learning effective communication strategies. Believing that positive communication strategies build confidence reflects the affective domain of learning, which involves feelings, attitudes, and beliefs. This statement emphasizes the importance of mindset and attitude in communication effectiveness. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Choice A focuses on the behavioral aspect of communication strategies, not the affective aspect. B: Choice B emphasizes the non-verbal communication aspect, which is related to the behavioral domain, not the affective domain. D: Choice D highlights the behavioral aspect of using assertive and responsible communication strategies, not the affective aspect.
Question 9 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.