ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse discusses smoking cessation with a client. Which action, if taken by the nurse, would most likely result in a behavior change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because collaborating with the client to develop an individualized plan of action empowers the client to take ownership of their smoking cessation journey. This approach considers the client's unique needs, preferences, and circumstances, increasing the likelihood of successful behavior change. Option A is less effective as simply advising the client to contact a quitline may not address the client's specific barriers or motivations. Option B focuses on interventions but lacks the personalized aspect that is crucial for behavior change. Option D, while important, does not directly involve the client in the decision-making process, reducing the client's engagement and investment in the cessation process.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse will appropriately and deliberately use the closed question technique when the patient is: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The closed question technique is used to gather specific information or facts. When a patient is being asked for specific information, using closed questions can help guide the conversation and elicit precise responses. Closed questions typically require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. In contrast, open-ended questions are more suitable when exploring feelings or emotions (choices B and C) or when dealing with confusion (choice D). Closed questions may not be effective when a patient is extremely anxious and unfocused, as open-ended questions may be more appropriate to allow the patient to express themselves more freely. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer because using closed questions in this scenario helps to gather precise information effectively.
Question 3 of 9
According to the NCSBN, appropriate self-disclosure is a part of maintaining professional boundaries. Appropriate self-disclosure includes the following:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because appropriate self-disclosure in a therapeutic setting should be brief, focused, and only used if the experience is similar to the patient's situation. This helps to build rapport and create a sense of empathy without overstepping professional boundaries. Choice A is incorrect because discussing intimate or personal values with patients can lead to boundary issues. Choice B is incorrect because keeping secrets with or for a patient can compromise confidentiality and trust. Choice C is incorrect because expressing that you are the only one who truly understands the patient can create a power dynamic that is not conducive to a therapeutic relationship.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse provides care to a client from Nigeria who is visiting the United States. Which should the nurse use to communicate with this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting a cultural assessment allows the nurse to understand the client's unique health beliefs and behaviors. This helps in providing culturally sensitive care and promoting effective communication. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on generalizing health beliefs of a population without considering individual variations. Choice C is incorrect as it does not directly address the client's specific needs. Choice D is incorrect because standard communication techniques may not be culturally appropriate or effective in this situation. Conducting a cultural assessment is essential for providing client-centered care.
Question 5 of 9
A female nurse discusses a concern related to client care with a male physician. Which communication strategy, if used by the nurse, is most effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a direct approach with succinct sentences. This is the most effective communication strategy because it promotes clear and concise communication, which is essential when discussing concerns related to client care. By using a direct approach, the nurse can effectively convey her message to the physician without any confusion or ambiguity. Choice A is incorrect because assuming a subservient role can undermine the nurse's professionalism and confidence. Choice C is incorrect because asking questions instead of making recommendations may not effectively address the concern at hand. Choice D is incorrect because politeness alone may not ensure effective communication if the message is not clearly articulated.
Question 6 of 9
When communicating with an aphasic patient, the nurse appropriately:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because assuming the patient can understand shows respect and preserves their dignity. Speaking slowly and clearly allows the patient more time to process information. Choice A is incorrect as shouting may further confuse the patient. Choice C is incorrect as direct communication with the patient is essential.
Question 7 of 9
Mr. N (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) shyly asks, "Do doctors have a special way that they wash their hands? Everybody washes their hands and then rewashes their hands before they touch me or any of my personal items. Everybody—except that one doctor." What is the team leader's priority action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because addressing the client's concerns directly with the healthcare provider (HCP) is the most immediate and effective way to ensure proper infection control procedures are followed. By approaching the HCP and explaining the client's observations and concerns, the team leader can facilitate communication and potentially prevent any lapses in infection control. This action promotes patient safety and trust in the healthcare team. Choice A is incorrect because assuming the HCP washed hands without confirmation can lead to overlooking potential gaps in infection control. Choice B is incorrect as it does not address the client's specific observation and concerns. Choice C is not the priority as contacting infection control should come after addressing the issue with the HCP directly.
Question 8 of 9
The nursing student tells the team leader that Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) has just asked her to stay after the shift ends so that she can meet her granddaughter. What is the best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "It sounds like you really made a connection with Ms. C." This response acknowledges the student's positive interaction with the patient, encouraging empathy and recognizing the importance of building therapeutic relationships in nursing practice. By showing support and validation for the student's connection with the patient, it fosters a positive learning experience and reinforces the value of patient-centered care. Choice A is incorrect as it deflects responsibility onto the instructor and does not address the student's interaction with the patient. Choice B puts the focus on the student's opinion rather than acknowledging the relationship with the patient. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the student's connection with the patient and does not encourage the development of a therapeutic relationship.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse needs to obtain a health history from a Spanish-speaking patient. Which action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Request a Spanish-speaking medical interpreter. This is the best action because it ensures accurate and effective communication between the nurse and the patient, maintaining patient confidentiality and preventing misinterpretation. Using a bilingual friend of the patient (A) may lead to bias or inaccurate translation. Nonverbal communication and drawing pictures (B) may not convey complex medical information effectively. Interviewing the patient's English-speaking daughter (D) may result in miscommunication and potential inaccuracies in the health history.