ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient who is concerned about her 10-pound weight loss relative to her chemotherapy tells the patient, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using clichés. The nurse's statement, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining," is a cliché that minimizes the patient's concerns about her weight loss and chemotherapy. Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality and can be dismissive or unhelpful in communication. In this case, the nurse's response does not address the patient's emotional or physical needs and fails to provide meaningful support. Incorrect choices: A: Defensive response - This choice involves reacting defensively to the patient's concerns, which is not demonstrated in the nurse's statement. B: Asking probing questions - This choice involves seeking further information from the patient, which is not reflected in the nurse's cliché response. D: Changing the subject - This choice involves diverting the conversation away from the patient's concerns, which is not explicitly done in the given scenario.
Question 2 of 9
A client has high blood pressure and needs to learn about a low-sodium diet. Which question if asked by the client would be an indirect request for information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client is indirectly asking for information on how to make food taste better without explicitly mentioning the need for low-sodium options. By inquiring about making food taste better, the client is seeking alternative ways to enhance flavor without salt, which aligns with the goal of following a low-sodium diet. Choices A, C, and D are more direct in addressing specific aspects of a low-sodium diet, such as food preparation without salt, dietary changes for blood pressure control, and identifying high-sodium foods to avoid, respectively.
Question 3 of 9
When a patient begins crying during a conversation with the nurse about the patient's upcoming surgery for possible malignancy, the nurse's most therapeutic response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. This response acknowledges the patient's emotions, offers support, and provides an opportunity for the patient to express their feelings. Offering a tissue shows empathy and readiness to listen. Sitting with the patient shows availability and willingness to engage further. This response validates the patient's emotions and fosters a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's emotions and focuses on the surgeon rather than the patient. Choice B is incorrect as it ignores the patient's emotional distress and focuses on a non-essential issue. Choice C is incorrect as it invalidates the patient's feelings and suggests avoidance rather than addressing the emotions directly.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.
Question 5 of 9
A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me.= Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects active listening and understanding the mother's concerns without making assumptions or judgments. The nurse accurately acknowledges the mother's worries about taking care of herself and her baby, showing empathy and validation. Choice A assumes the mother feels uncared for, choice B presumes low self-esteem, and choice D focuses on discomfort with asking for help rather than addressing the mother's specific concerns. Hence, choice C is the most empathetic and appropriate response in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse openly and genuinely discusses thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections with a group of college students. Which benefit(s) may occur for these college students? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because openly discussing thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections can help build trust between the nurse and college students. This trust can lead to the students feeling more comfortable seeking information and support from the nurse. Choice A is incorrect because open communication typically fosters ongoing discussions, not reluctance. Choice C is incorrect because open discussions can enhance credibility by showing transparency and expertise. Choice D is incorrect because open dialogue does not guarantee the accuracy of information, but it can facilitate a more informed discussion.
Question 7 of 9
Let me know how you're doing and whether you need any help."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides clear instructions to take vital signs on all patients in the lounge and report any problems. This ensures comprehensive assessment and communication. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specificity and may lead to overlooking important tasks. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are blank. Providing clear and concise directions is crucial in delegation to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse makes a home visit to a client with chronic kidney disease. The client asks the nurse to make the decision about whether or not to start dialysis. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and involve them in decision-making. Step 2: By inviting the client to make a decision after reviewing options, the nurse promotes client-centered care. Step 3: This approach empowers the client to participate actively in their healthcare decisions. Step 4: It aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Summary: Choice B is correct as it respects the client's autonomy and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is not appropriate as it bypasses the client's involvement. Choice C is not ideal as the client should be actively involved. Choice D may provide information but doesn't involve the client in decision-making.
Question 9 of 9
To convey the intervention of active listening, the nurse would:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because active listening involves making a conscious effort to block out other sounds in the immediate environment, demonstrating full focus on the speaker. This allows the nurse to truly understand the patient's perspective and feelings. Maintaining eye contact (A) is important but staring can be intimidating. Prompting the patient (B) may disrupt their train of thought. Writing down remarks (D) can be perceived as disengagement. In summary, active listening requires focused attention and empathy, which choice C exemplifies.