ATI RN
Communication in Nursing 8th Edition 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 their feelings related to the sexual assault is essential for providing emotional support and validating their experience. This action shows empathy and helps the patient feel heard and supported. It also allows the nurse to assess the patient's emotional well-being and provide appropriate care. Avoiding decision-making situations (A) may lead to further distress for the patient. While joining a support group (B) can be beneficial, it may not be appropriate or feasible immediately after a traumatic event. Providing detailed information about evidence collection (D) is important but should be done after addressing the patient's emotional needs.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is caring for a client who is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which nursing action would most likely improve client compliance with the therapeutic regimen?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because listening attentively to the client's perception of having a chronic illness is crucial for building a therapeutic relationship and understanding their concerns, fears, and challenges. By actively listening, the nurse can address the client's emotional and psychological needs, which are essential in managing a chronic condition like type 1 diabetes. This approach fosters trust, enhances communication, and promotes client engagement in their treatment plan. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because ignoring negative statements, avoiding physical contact, and solely focusing on the physical aspects of care can lead to poor client-nurse communication, lack of trust, and ultimately hinder compliance with the therapeutic regimen. Ignoring negative statements may escalate resistance, avoiding physical contact may create distance, and solely focusing on physical care neglects the holistic needs of the client.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse has selected an outcome for the patient to eat all of the food on the breakfast tray each day. Assessing that the patient has eaten all of the breakfast, the nurse would give positive feedback by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's achievement of finishing the whole meal, provides positive reinforcement, and invites the patient to make choices for the next meal, encouraging continued compliance with the desired outcome. This response directly reinforces the behavior that was targeted, making it more likely for the patient to repeat the behavior in the future. Choices A, B, and C do not specifically address the patient's accomplishment of eating all the food, therefore they do not provide effective positive feedback for reinforcing the desired behavior.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse instructs the nursing assistant to obtain temperatures on four patients and report abnormal findings immediately. Two hours later the nurse discovers that one of the patients had a fever that was not reported. The nurse is upset with the nursing assistant. Which statement, if made by the nurse, is concrete and specifically explains the nurse's feelings?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I am disappointed because you did not follow my directions." This statement is the most concrete and specifically explains the nurse's feelings of disappointment towards the nursing assistant for not reporting the fever as instructed. It directly addresses the issue at hand, which is the failure to follow directions, and conveys the nurse's emotions in a clear and concise manner. Choice A: "I am not dissatisfied with your performance, because we all make mistakes." This choice does not address the specific issue of the nursing assistant not following instructions, and it seems to downplay the importance of the mistake. Choice B: "You must have misunderstood. I wanted to know about any elevated temperatures." This choice shifts the blame to the nursing assistant for misunderstanding, rather than holding them accountable for not following instructions. Choice D: "You have made me so angry. Why did you not report the fever to me?" This choice focuses on the nurse's anger rather than disappointment, and it does not
Question 5 of 9
The characteristic that is representative of the nurse-patient relationship is that this relationship:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse-patient relationship primarily focuses on addressing the assessed health problems of the patient. This relationship is centered around providing care, support, and assistance related to the patient's health needs. Building rapport (A) is important, but not the primary focus. The relationship does not necessarily continue after discharge (B) as it depends on the circumstances. Humor (C) can be included in the relationship but is not a defining characteristic. Thus, D is the correct choice as it aligns with the fundamental purpose of the nurse-patient relationship.
Question 6 of 9
Which assessment finding for Mr. L (tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy) would be of greatest concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because pulsation of the tracheostomy tube in synchrony with the heartbeat indicates a potential risk of arterial bleeding, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. This finding suggests that there may be a nearby major blood vessel that is pulsating due to arterial bleed. Immediate action is needed to prevent further bleeding and ensure patient safety. Choice B is incorrect because increased secretions in and around the tracheostomy, while concerning, do not represent an immediate life-threatening situation like arterial bleeding. Choice C is incorrect as increased coughing with difficulty in expectorating secretions could be indicative of respiratory issues but is not as urgent as arterial bleeding. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of food particles in tracheal secretions may indicate aspiration or improper swallowing, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as arterial bleeding.
Question 7 of 9
According to a study by Robinson (2014), three parts of our true presence (how we connect with patients) are found in being:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because being genuine shows sincerity and authenticity in interactions with patients. Attentiveness implies active listening and focus on the patient's needs, fostering a strong connection. Immersion signifies being fully engaged and present during patient interactions, enhancing the quality of care provided. In contrast, choices A, B, and C lack the essential components of active listening, authenticity, and full engagement, making them incorrect. Being friendly, kind, and sweet (choice A) may not necessarily reflect genuine presence. Similarly, being humorous, partial, and grateful (choice C) or genuine, gifted, and creative (choice B) do not fully capture the core elements of true presence as outlined in the study by Robinson (2014).
Question 8 of 9
A 36-year-old woman who is in traction for a fractured femur that she received in an auto accident is found crying quietly. The nurse can best address this situation by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's emotions, shows empathy, and encourages open communication. By stating "You are upset. Can you tell me what's wrong?" the nurse validates the patient's feelings and invites her to express her concerns. This approach fosters trust and allows the nurse to address the underlying issues causing the patient's distress. Choice A is incorrect as it assumes the patient is in pain without confirmation and may come off as dismissive. Choice B is inappropriate as it lacks empathy and demands the patient to stop crying, which can further escalate the situation. Choice C is insensitive as it diminishes the patient's feelings by comparing her situation to a potential worse outcome, which is not helpful in addressing her emotional distress.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Which statement by the nurse is therapeutic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Answer A is correct because it shows empathy and validation of the patient's feelings. It acknowledges the patient's fear, which is important for building trust and rapport. Answer B is incorrect because it offers false reassurance. Answer C is incorrect because it suggests avoidance, which is not helpful for coping with a cancer diagnosis. Answer D is incorrect because it is a generic and unrelated statement.