ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse greets a patient who is admitted to the hospital. Which action by the nurse displays warmth and concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because using a soft and relaxed tone of voice conveys warmth and concern, making the patient feel welcomed and cared for. It helps build rapport and comfort. Maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet (B) may create a sense of coldness and detachment. Avoiding attentive behaviors (C) will make the patient feel neglected and uncared for. Engaging in verbal exchange without physical contact (D) lacks the personal touch needed to show warmth and concern.
Question 2 of 9
The nursing supervisor instructs a group of novice nurses about the appropriate use of self-disclosure with patients. The nursing supervisor determines that teaching was successful if the novice nurse makes which statement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Self-disclosure can be used to build a trusting relationship with the patient. This is because sharing personal information appropriately can help create a connection and foster trust between the nurse and the patient. By being open and genuine, nurses can demonstrate empathy and understanding, leading to better communication and rapport. Choice A is incorrect because while self-disclosure can help the patient understand the nurse, the primary goal is to build a therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect because disclosing stories about others does not promote genuine connection and may not be relevant to the patient's care. Choice D is incorrect because fabricating personal experiences goes against the principles of honesty and authenticity in therapeutic communication.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who complains of back pain. Which question should the nurse ask to obtain specific information about the back pain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking "What do you think caused the back pain?" allows the patient to provide specific details about the onset and potential triggers of the pain, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on medication rather than gathering information. Choice B is too broad and may not directly address the back pain issue. Choice C is irrelevant to the immediate assessment of the back pain and does not provide specific information about the patient's current condition.
Question 4 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.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse sees that Mr. B (bladder cancer) has received docusate for the past 2 days. Which question is the nurse most likely to ask to evaluate the effectiveness of the docusate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Docusate is a stool softener commonly used to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid pain medications. By asking if the patient had a bowel movement today or yesterday, the nurse can evaluate the effectiveness of docusate in facilitating bowel movements. This question directly assesses the expected outcome of the medication. A: "Are you experiencing any burning with urination?" - This question is more relevant to urinary tract infections, not related to docusate use for constipation. C: "Has the medication helped to relieve the nausea?" - Docusate is not typically used to relieve nausea, so this question is not relevant to evaluating its effectiveness. D: "Were you able to sleep soundly the last couple of nights?" - This question is not directly related to the expected outcome of docusate in treating constipation.
Question 6 of 9
One study of Italian primary care physicians caring for diabetic patients showed that those scoring highest on the empathy test had patients with:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Statistically fewer acute diabetic complications. This is because the study found a correlation between high empathy scores of physicians and lower occurrences of acute diabetic complications in their patients. The use of the term "statistically" implies a significant and reliable relationship between physician empathy and patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because the study did not specify "significantly" fewer complications, only a correlation with high empathy scores. Choice C is incorrect as there was no evidence of higher rates of chronic complications associated with physician empathy. Choice D is incorrect as the study did not find statistically higher poor outcomes for patients with diabetes, but rather a relationship with fewer acute complications.
Question 7 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 8 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 individual health beliefs and behaviors. This approach promotes culturally competent care by tailoring interventions to the client's specific needs. Option A is incorrect as it assumes all Nigerians have the same health beliefs. Option C is not necessary as the nurse can directly assess the client. Option D does not consider the importance of cultural competence in communication. Conducting a cultural assessment ensures effective communication and respectful care.
Question 9 of 9
A teacher at a local elementary school asks a nurse to talk to the students about nutrition. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows the nurse's willingness to understand the teacher's specific objectives and tailor the nutrition talk accordingly. This approach ensures that the nurse addresses the teacher's concerns and meets the students' needs effectively. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Teaching students how to read nutrition labels may be important, but it assumes that this is the teacher's primary goal without confirming it first. C: Focusing on the consequences of obesity may not align with the teacher's desired focus on general nutrition education. D: While enthusiasm for teaching is positive, this response does not address the teacher's specific request for the nutrition talk.