ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse explains that the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship differs from the social relationship because:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because in a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, the focus is mainly on the nurse being therapeutically beneficial to the patient. This relationship is professional, goal-oriented, and centered on the patient's needs and well-being. The nurse's primary role is to provide care, support, and help the patient achieve their health goals. Unlike a social relationship, where the focus is mutual and not solely on the nurse, the therapeutic relationship is asymmetrical, with the nurse taking on a more authoritative and guiding role. This ensures that the patient receives the necessary care and support during their healthcare journey. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a social relationship can have goals or needs to be met, the nurse-patient relationship extends beyond the patient's discharge, and trust and sharing of life experiences are essential components of the nurse-patient relationship.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who does not follow dietary recommendations for treatment of heart failure. Which statement, if made by the nurse, demonstrates respect for the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and respect for the client's autonomy. By stating "I care about you even if you are not following your dietary restrictions," the nurse acknowledges the client's choice while still showing concern for their well-being. This response fosters a supportive and non-judgmental relationship with the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they either show indifference, use coercion, or imply a comparison between patients based on their dietary choices. These responses do not prioritize the client's feelings, choices, or autonomy, which is essential in providing patient-centered care.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
According to Swanson's theory, there are five caring processes, one of which is "knowing." What are the other four?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintaining belief, being with, doing for, and enabling. - Maintaining belief: Involves believing in the patient's capacity for self-care. - Being with: Being present and connecting emotionally with the patient. - Doing for: Providing assistance and meeting the patient's needs. - Enabling: Encouraging and supporting the patient to reach their full potential. Other choices are incorrect: - A: Communication, assertiveness, responsibility, and caring do not align with Swanson's caring processes. - C: Understanding, action, information, and comfort are not the caring processes in Swanson's theory. - D: Maintaining belief, being with, enabling, and supporting is partly correct but lacks the "doing for" process.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse can best ensure that communication is understood by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: obtaining feedback from the patient that indicates accurate comprehension. This is the best way to ensure effective communication because it directly involves the patient in the communication process, allowing for clarification if needed. By receiving feedback from the patient, the nurse can confirm whether the information has been understood correctly. This approach promotes active listening and engagement from the patient, enhancing the likelihood of accurate communication. Incorrect choices: A: Speaking slowly and clearly in the patient's native language may help, but it does not guarantee comprehension. B: Asking family members may not accurately reflect the patient's understanding and could lead to miscommunication. D: Checking for signs of hearing loss or aphasia is important, but it does not directly assess the patient's understanding of the communication.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who is scheduled for abdominal surgery. Which action, if taken by the nurse, is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Asking the patient about expectations for postoperative pain management is most appropriate as it involves assessing the patient's preferences and needs, ensuring individualized care. Option A is incorrect as mandating complementary therapy may not align with the patient's preferences or needs. Option B is incorrect as administering opioids based solely on pain rating may not consider individual variations in pain tolerance. Option D is incorrect as providing pain management solely based on a standardized care plan may not address the patient's specific needs and preferences.
Question 7 of 9
The author describes the patient journey as driving down a country road and somehow getting lost. At that moment and time, all that is needed is clear directions about how to get to your destination, not about types of entertainment in the area. The same is true for patients. Accordingly, a part of each nursing assessment should include:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Understanding the patient's need for information and level of understanding is crucial to providing appropriate care. Step 2: Clear directions are necessary to guide patients, just like clear information is needed to guide their healthcare decisions. Step 3: Assessing the patient's need for information helps tailor education to their level of understanding. Step 4: This choice directly aligns with the analogy of providing clear directions for patients on their healthcare journey. Summary: Choice A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of assessing the patient's need for information and understanding, which is essential for guiding them effectively. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the patient's need for information and understanding in the analogy provided.
Question 8 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.
Question 9 of 9
A non-Hispanic white nurse provides care to mostly Hispanic patients. It would be most important for the nurse to take which action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Understanding cultural influences is crucial for providing effective care to diverse patients. Step 2: By discovering healthcare perceptions and behaviors, the nurse can tailor care to meet the patients' needs. Step 3: This approach promotes cultural competence and improves patient outcomes. Step 4: Other choices are incorrect as they do not address the core issue of cultural understanding and sensitivity.