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 nurse cares for a young adult patient in the emergency room after a sexual assault. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because actively listening to the patient express their feelings related to the sexual assault is essential for providing emotional support and validating their experience. This action shows empathy and helps the patient feel heard and supported. It also allows the nurse to assess the patient's emotional well-being and provide appropriate care. Avoiding decision-making situations (A) may lead to further distress for the patient. While joining a support group (B) can be beneficial, it may not be appropriate or feasible immediately after a traumatic event. Providing detailed information about evidence collection (D) is important but should be done after addressing the patient's emotional needs.
Question 3 of 9
The primary care provider informs the student nurse that he would like to give a telephone order. The best response by the student is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking the registered nurse to take the telephone order ensures accuracy and accountability. The registered nurse is trained to accurately transcribe orders and can verify the details with the primary care provider if needed. This also follows the chain of command and delegation principles in healthcare. Choice A is incorrect because the student nurse should not document the order directly without proper verification. Choice B is incorrect as having another student as a witness does not guarantee accuracy or proper documentation. Choice C is incorrect as recording the order could violate patient privacy laws and does not involve a healthcare professional in the transcription process.
Question 4 of 9
According to a study by Robinson (2014), three parts of our true presence (how we connect with patients) are found in being:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because being genuine shows sincerity and authenticity in interactions with patients. Attentiveness implies active listening and focus on the patient's needs, fostering a strong connection. Immersion signifies being fully engaged and present during patient interactions, enhancing the quality of care provided. In contrast, choices A, B, and C lack the essential components of active listening, authenticity, and full engagement, making them incorrect. Being friendly, kind, and sweet (choice A) may not necessarily reflect genuine presence. Similarly, being humorous, partial, and grateful (choice C) or genuine, gifted, and creative (choice B) do not fully capture the core elements of true presence as outlined in the study by Robinson (2014).
Question 5 of 9
The nurse is aware that the purpose of therapeutic communication is to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because therapeutic communication aims to focus on the patient and their needs to facilitate a therapeutic interaction. This involves active listening, empathy, and creating a supportive environment for the patient to express their thoughts and feelings. Gathering information (choice A) is important but not the sole purpose of therapeutic communication. Directing the patient to communicate about deepest concerns (choice B) may not always be appropriate or helpful. Lastly, gaining specific medical information and history of illness (choice D) is part of a comprehensive assessment but not the primary goal of therapeutic communication.
Question 6 of 9
When using the telephone to communicate with a primary care provider about a patient, the student nurse should have ready: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Current information on patient's condition change is crucial for effective communication with the primary care provider. 2. This allows the student nurse to provide accurate and up-to-date information for appropriate decision-making. 3. Assessment of vital signs or information on urinary output may be important, but the question specifically focuses on communication about the patient's condition change. 4. Patient's social security number or hospital identification number is not necessary for communicating about the patient's condition change. In summary, choice A is correct as it ensures accurate communication, while the other choices are not directly related to communicating patient's condition change.
Question 7 of 9
In which situation(s) would it be appropriate for the nurse to communicate with empathy? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because a nurse should communicate with empathy when dealing with a patient who is anxious about a change in body image after a mastectomy. Empathy allows the nurse to connect emotionally with the patient, show understanding, and provide support. In this situation, the patient needs compassionate communication to feel heard and cared for. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because empathy is not necessary in those scenarios. For choice A, the acquaintance seeking a superficial social relationship does not require empathetic communication. For choice C, the supervisor seeking approval and recognition would benefit more from professional feedback and recognition of achievements. For choice D, the colleague expecting a promotion needs clear communication and feedback but not necessarily empathy.
Question 8 of 9
When the nurse observes a resident in a long-term facility pounding his fists on his legs and grinding his teeth, the nurse will validate her perception of the patient's nonverbal expression of anger by:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates active listening and empathy towards the patient's nonverbal cues. By sitting down near the patient and acknowledging his emotions, the nurse opens up a channel for communication and offers support. This approach allows the patient to express his feelings and needs, leading to better understanding and potential resolution of the underlying issue. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Simply documenting the observation does not address the patient's emotional state or provide any opportunity for direct communication. B: Asking another staff member for their perception does not involve the patient directly and may not accurately reflect the patient's emotions. C: Referring to the care plan does not involve the patient in the process and may not address the immediate emotional needs expressed through nonverbal behavior.
Question 9 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.