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 nurse cares for a patient with a terminal illness. Which way would be the most therapeutic for the nurse to communicate with this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Demonstrate understanding with empathy. This approach is the most therapeutic as it shows the nurse's genuine care and support for the patient, fostering a sense of trust and emotional connection. By empathizing, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and provides comfort without judgment. A: Using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Acknowledging hope by expressions of sympathy is important but may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs. D: Consistently evaluating the patient's feelings is important, but without demonstrating empathy, it may come across as clinical and detached. In summary, choice B is the best approach as it prioritizes empathy and understanding, essential components in providing effective therapeutic communication.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
A patient who has had a stroke is unable to speak clearly and has right sided hemiplegia. The nurse will design the approach to the assessment interview by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because speaking slowly and giving the patient time to respond allows the patient with speech difficulties due to the stroke to process information and formulate a response. Prompting or finishing sentences can hinder the patient's ability to communicate independently. Asking questions to the patient directly, rather than relying on a family member, ensures accurate information is obtained directly from the patient. Telling the patient that all information will come from the daughter undermines the patient's autonomy and may lead to incomplete or inaccurate information.
Question 5 of 9
When a patient states, "My son hasn't been to see me in months," the nurse's best verbal response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Reflective listening: Restating the patient's statement shows empathy and understanding. 2. Open-ended question: Encourages patient to share more without assumptions. 3. Non-judgmental: Neutral tone promotes trust and openness. 4. Validates patient's feelings: Acknowledges patient's concerns without dismissing them. Summary: A: Provides false reassurance, does not address the patient's feelings. C: Shifts focus to the nurse, not patient-centered. D: Implies judgment, may shut down communication.
Question 6 of 9
Let me know how you're doing and whether you need any help."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides clear instructions to take vital signs on all patients in the lounge and report any problems. This ensures comprehensive assessment and communication. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specificity and may lead to overlooking important tasks. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are blank. Providing clear and concise directions is crucial in delegation to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
Question 7 of 9
An aspect of computer use in patient care in which the LPN may need to be proficient includes:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because LPNs are often responsible for inputting patient data such as requests for radiographs or lab services into the computer system. This task requires proficiency in navigating electronic health records to accurately document patient information. Option B is incorrect as LPNs typically do not program computers but rather use pre-existing systems. Option C is incorrect because educating patients on computer use is usually the responsibility of other healthcare professionals. Option D is also incorrect as scheduling admissions and nurse staffing is typically managed by unit coordinators or nurse managers, not LPNs. In summary, the LPN's role in computer use for patient care primarily involves inputting data accurately and efficiently.
Question 8 of 9
Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse3client relationship? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together as partners towards shared goals, with both parties contributing equally. Collaboration fosters empowerment, respect, and shared decision-making. Dependency (A) implies an unequal power dynamic, which is not characteristic of mutuality. Paternalism (C) involves a one-sided decision-making process, conflicting with the collaborative nature of mutuality. Acceptance of differences (D) is important but does not solely define mutuality. In summary, collaboration best reflects the principles of mutuality by emphasizing partnership, equality, and shared responsibility.
Question 9 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 shared if it enhances the therapeutic relationship. This helps maintain professional boundaries and keeps the focus on the patient's needs. Choice A is incorrect because discussing intimate or personal values with patients can blur boundaries and shift the focus away from the patient. Choice B is incorrect because keeping secrets with or for a patient can lead to ethical dilemmas and compromise trust. Choice C is incorrect because expressing that you are the only one who truly understands the patient can create a power imbalance and hinder the therapeutic process.