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 provides care for a male patient. When the nurse addresses the patient, which would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient how he prefers to be addressed. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and personal preferences, promoting patient-centered care. By asking the patient directly, the nurse acknowledges the patient's individuality and ensures respectful communication. A: Using both first and last name with each encounter may come across as too formal or impersonal for some patients, potentially creating a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Calling the patient by his first name without consent may be perceived as too familiar or disrespectful by some patients, leading to discomfort or a lack of trust in the nurse. D: Addressing the patient by his last name may be too formal for some patients and can create a sense of distance or hierarchy in the nurse-patient relationship.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
Which statement, if made by the nurse, could positively affect the course of the patient's situation by suggestibility?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it focuses on the positive aspect of breastfeeding, which is bonding with the baby. This statement can positively influence the patient's attitude and motivation towards breastfeeding. Choice B is incorrect as it introduces a negative aspect of breastfeeding. Choice C is unrelated to the positive impact of breastfeeding. Choice D introduces fear and negativity, which can hinder the patient's confidence in breastfeeding.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse prepares to obtain a health history from a hospitalized patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect the patient's privacy by closing the door. Closing the door ensures confidentiality and privacy during the health history interview. This step is crucial to maintain the patient's dignity and foster trust. Setting time limits (choice A) may compromise the quality of the assessment. Avoiding upsetting questions (choice B) may hinder the gathering of important information. Standing at the foot of the bed for eye contact (choice D) is not appropriate as it may seem confrontational and uncomfortable for the patient.
Question 6 of 9
Ms. G (breast lumpectomy) continues to be anxious and tearful, and she says that she has changed her mind about the surgery, saying, "I'm going to go home. I just can't deal with everything that is going on right now. I need some time to think about things." What is the best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges Ms. G's autonomy and respects her right to make decisions about her own body. By validating her feelings and choices, it helps build trust and rapport. Choice B is incorrect as it disregards Ms. G's emotional state and can come off as dismissive. Choice C assumes Ms. G needs immediate medical intervention without exploring her concerns further. Choice D, although showing empathy, does not directly address Ms. G's decision to change her mind about the surgery.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
Which patient would most likely be uncomfortable with close personal space during an interaction with the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because the 19-year-old white female patient standing 2 feet in front of the nurse would likely feel uncomfortable with close personal space. Younger individuals tend to value personal space more and may feel more uncomfortable with proximity. Standing 2 feet away is closer than the social distance zone, leading to potential discomfort. Choice B is incorrect because the 40-year-old African-American male patient is sitting next to the nurse, which indicates a level of comfort with proximity. Choice C is incorrect because the 60-year-old Latin-American female patient who is seated across from the nurse is at a comfortable distance for interaction. Choice D is incorrect because the 82-year-old patient from France who is lying in bed with the nurse sitting next to the bed is likely in a more intimate setting where close personal space is expected.
Question 9 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.