ATI RN
Communication in Nursing 8th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse instructs the nursing assistant to obtain temperatures on four patients and report abnormal findings immediately. Two hours later the nurse discovers that one of the patients had a fever that was not reported. The nurse is upset with the nursing assistant. Which statement, if made by the nurse, is concrete and specifically explains the nurse's feelings?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I am disappointed because you did not follow my directions." This statement is the most concrete and specifically explains the nurse's feelings of disappointment towards the nursing assistant for not reporting the fever as instructed. It directly addresses the issue at hand, which is the failure to follow directions, and conveys the nurse's emotions in a clear and concise manner. Choice A: "I am not dissatisfied with your performance, because we all make mistakes." This choice does not address the specific issue of the nursing assistant not following instructions, and it seems to downplay the importance of the mistake. Choice B: "You must have misunderstood. I wanted to know about any elevated temperatures." This choice shifts the blame to the nursing assistant for misunderstanding, rather than holding them accountable for not following instructions. Choice D: "You have made me so angry. Why did you not report the fever to me?" This choice focuses on the nurse's anger rather than disappointment, and it does not
Question 2 of 9
The home care nurse is assigned to make the first home visit to a new client who has been discharged from the hospital. After initial introductions, the nurse should take which action to convey respect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because wearing a name badge that clearly identifies the home care agency conveys professionalism and respect. It helps establish trust and credibility with the client. This action also ensures transparency and allows the client to easily identify and verify the nurse's credentials. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Asking the client to develop a list of needs for the next visit is not about conveying respect but rather about gathering information. It does not focus on establishing a professional and respectful relationship. C: Providing contact information for other clients as references is inappropriate and breaches confidentiality. It does not demonstrate respect for the client's privacy. D: Assuring the client that information obtained will not be shared with others is expected as part of maintaining confidentiality and privacy. However, it does not specifically address conveying respect during the initial visit.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse chooses to use touch in the nurse-patient relationship because touch:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because touch can convey caring and support when words are difficult, enhancing the nurse-patient relationship. This is supported by research showing the positive impact of touch in providing comfort and building trust. Choice B is incorrect as cultural differences can be addressed through communication and understanding. Choice C is incorrect because touch can be appropriate in various situations beyond just young children. Choice D is incorrect as touch should be used judiciously based on individual preferences and boundaries.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse cares for diverse clients in a community health setting. Which action should the nurse take first to learn about delivering care to diverse clients?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Develop a self-awareness of personal healthcare beliefs. Rationale: 1. Self-awareness is foundational to cultural competence. 2. Understanding one's own biases and beliefs is crucial in providing culturally sensitive care. 3. It helps the nurse recognize potential sources of bias and work towards overcoming them. 4. By knowing personal beliefs, the nurse can better understand and respect the beliefs of diverse clients. Summary of other choices: A: Adopting a transcultural framework is important but should come after self-awareness. B: While important, asking clients about their beliefs doesn't address the nurse's own biases. D: Recognizing ethnocentric beliefs is important but doesn't directly address the nurse's self-awareness.
Question 5 of 9
A patient tells the nurse that she dislikes the food that is served in the hospital. The nurse responds, "Our cooks work very hard; the food that is served is very good." The nurse's response is an example of the communication block of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: defensive response. The nurse's response deflects the patient's complaint about the food quality by defending the cooks' efforts instead of addressing the patient's concerns. This can create a barrier to effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings and not acknowledging their perspective. A: Judgmental response involves criticizing or making assumptions about the patient, which is not evident in the nurse's reply. B: Giving advice would involve offering suggestions on how to improve the situation, which the nurse did not do. D: Using clichés would involve using overused phrases that may not directly relate to the patient's concern, which is not the case in this scenario. In summary, the nurse's defensive response fails to address the patient's complaint and can hinder effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by the staff nurse is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I am not able to work an extra shift." This response is assertive because it clearly communicates the staff nurse's inability to work the extra shift without making excuses or apologizing. It sets a boundary based on the staff nurse's current capacity and respects their own needs. Choice A is incorrect because it prioritizes the nurse manager's feelings over the staff nurse's own needs. Choice B is incorrect as it is confrontational and does not provide a clear reason for not being able to work the extra shift. Choice D is incorrect because it implies a willingness to work based on the unavailability of others, rather than the staff nurse's own limitations.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who states, "I tossed and turned last night." The nurse responds to the patient, "You feel like you were awake all night?" This is an example of:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: restatement. Restatement involves repeating the patient's words to confirm understanding. In this scenario, the nurse echoed the patient's statement to show empathy and acknowledge the patient's feelings. This technique helps build rapport and fosters therapeutic communication. Explanation of why other choices are incorrect: A: Open-ended question: This involves encouraging the patient to elaborate on their feelings or experiences, not just repeating what the patient said. C: Reflection: This involves restating the patient's feelings to show understanding, not simply repeating their words. D: Offering self: This involves offering oneself to the patient for support, which was not demonstrated in the scenario.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse recognizes a verbal response when the patient:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Verbal communication involves words, either written or spoken. 2. Choice B states that the patient writes the answer to a question asked by the nurse, which involves using words. 3. Therefore, choice B correctly represents verbal communication. 4. Choices A, C, and D involve nonverbal communication methods such as nodding, sobbing, and moaning, which do not involve words.
Question 9 of 9
A 36-year-old woman who is in traction for a fractured femur that she received in an auto accident is found crying quietly. The nurse can best address this situation by saying:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's emotions, shows empathy, and encourages open communication. By stating "You are upset. Can you tell me what's wrong?" the nurse validates the patient's feelings and invites her to express her concerns. This approach fosters trust and allows the nurse to address the underlying issues causing the patient's distress. Choice A is incorrect as it assumes the patient is in pain without confirmation and may come off as dismissive. Choice B is inappropriate as it lacks empathy and demands the patient to stop crying, which can further escalate the situation. Choice C is insensitive as it diminishes the patient's feelings by comparing her situation to a potential worse outcome, which is not helpful in addressing her emotional distress.