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 is caring for a patient who is concerned about living alone. The best response by the nurse is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy by asking for the patient's thoughts first, respecting their autonomy. It promotes open communication and understanding of the patient's concerns. Choice B may come off as judgmental or invasive. Choice C imposes the nurse's opinion on the patient, disregarding their feelings. Choice D is incomplete.
Question 3 of 9
While interviewing a Native American man for the admission history, the nurse should expect to:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the cultural communication norms of Native American individuals, who may take longer pauses during conversations to reflect and respond thoughtfully. By waiting patiently through these pauses, the nurse shows respect for the individual's communication style and allows for effective dialogue. Option B is incorrect because maintaining constant eye contact may be perceived as confrontational or disrespectful in some Native American cultures. Option C is incorrect as it assumes the patient needs permission to speak, which may not align with their cultural norms. Option D is incorrect as it undermines the individual's autonomy and may not accurately represent their perspective.
Question 4 of 9
According to Swanson's theory, there are five caring processes, one of which is "being with.= Which of the responses by the nurse portrays an understanding of the concept of "being with= a client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Swanson's theory emphasizes the importance of "being with" a client, which involves being emotionally present and fully engaged. Step 2: Choice D reflects the concept of "being with" as it highlights the nurse's emotional presence and connection with the client. Step 3: The nurse actively engages with the client on an emotional level, demonstrating empathy and understanding. Step 4: Choices A, B, and C do not capture the essence of "being with" as they focus more on physical presence or logistical aspects rather than emotional connection. Summary: Choice D is correct because it aligns with the core principle of "being with" by emphasizing emotional presence, while the other choices lack this critical component.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has metastatic cancer. Which action(s) by the nurse conveys warmth? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Show interest by occasional head nodding. This action conveys warmth by demonstrating active listening and engagement with the patient. It shows empathy and understanding without being intrusive. Avoiding distracting actions such as hand gestures (A) may come across as cold or disinterested. Leaning forward toward the patient at a 45-degree angle (C) can be perceived as invading personal space. Placing arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting (D) may appear defensive or closed off, lacking warmth and openness.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
A patient asks the nurse, "What would you do if you had cancer and had to choose between surgery and chemotherapy?" The reply that can best help the patient is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer B is correct: 1. Answer B encourages patient autonomy by asking what solutions the patient has considered. 2. This response acknowledges the patient's ability to make decisions about their own healthcare. 3. By asking the patient about their considered solutions, the nurse can guide the discussion towards exploring different options. 4. This approach promotes shared decision-making between the patient and healthcare provider. 5. It empowers the patient to actively participate in their treatment planning. 6. Ultimately, answer B respects the patient's autonomy, fosters open communication, and supports informed decision-making.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
When communicating with an adolescent, the nurse should be very sensitive to avoid:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering advice can come off as dismissive to adolescents who value autonomy and independence. Adolescents prefer to feel heard and understood rather than being told what to do. Providing unsolicited advice can hinder trust and communication. Asking embarrassing questions (A) can be inappropriate but can still be necessary for assessment. Interrupting frequently (C) disrupts the flow of communication. Using active listening (D) is important but does not directly relate to avoiding sensitive topics with adolescents.