ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication 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 directly addresses the issue by highlighting the nursing assistant's failure to follow instructions, leading to the unreported fever. The nurse expresses disappointment, which is a concrete feeling based on the specific situation. Explanation: 1. "I am not dissatisfied with your performance, because we all make mistakes." - This choice downplays the seriousness of the situation and fails to address the specific issue of not following directions. 2. "You must have misunderstood. I wanted to know about any elevated temperatures." - This choice implies a possible misunderstanding without directly addressing the failure to report the fever. 3. "I am disappointed because you did not follow my directions." - This choice directly states the reason for the nurse's feelings, linking the disappointment to the nursing assistant's failure to report the fever. 4. "You have made me so angry. Why did you not report the fever to me?" - This choice uses
Question 2 of 9
The nurse cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Listen to the patient's stories about her past experiences. This approach allows the nurse to show empathy, build trust, and understand the patient's perspective. By actively listening to the patient's stories, the nurse can provide emotional support and help the patient process her emotions and thoughts. A: Suggesting a support group may be beneficial, but it may not address the patient's immediate need for understanding and processing her diagnosis. B: Providing reading material on death and dying may be overwhelming and not personalized to the patient's specific needs. C: Contacting the patient's spiritual leader may not be appropriate if the patient does not have a strong spiritual connection or desire for daily visits.
Question 3 of 9
A female nurse discusses a concern related to client care with a male physician. Which communication strategy, if used by the nurse, is most effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Use a direct approach with succinct sentences. This is the most effective communication strategy because it promotes clear and concise communication, which is essential when discussing concerns related to client care. By using a direct approach, the nurse can effectively convey her message to the physician without any confusion or ambiguity. Choice A is incorrect because assuming a subservient role can undermine the nurse's professionalism and confidence. Choice C is incorrect because asking questions instead of making recommendations may not effectively address the concern at hand. Choice D is incorrect because politeness alone may not ensure effective communication if the message is not clearly articulated.
Question 4 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, creating a welcoming and comforting environment for the patient. This approach helps build rapport and trust. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet may come off as cold and distant, lacking warmth and concern. Choice C is incorrect because avoiding attentive behaviors can make the patient feel neglected and uncared for, which does not display warmth and concern. Choice D is incorrect because engaging in a verbal exchange without physical contact alone may not be enough to demonstrate genuine warmth and concern towards the patient.
Question 5 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 directly addresses the issue by highlighting the nursing assistant's failure to follow instructions, leading to the unreported fever. The nurse expresses disappointment, which is a concrete feeling based on the specific situation. Explanation: 1. "I am not dissatisfied with your performance, because we all make mistakes." - This choice downplays the seriousness of the situation and fails to address the specific issue of not following directions. 2. "You must have misunderstood. I wanted to know about any elevated temperatures." - This choice implies a possible misunderstanding without directly addressing the failure to report the fever. 3. "I am disappointed because you did not follow my directions." - This choice directly states the reason for the nurse's feelings, linking the disappointment to the nursing assistant's failure to report the fever. 4. "You have made me so angry. Why did you not report the fever to me?" - This choice uses
Question 6 of 9
Which demonstrates the nurse's genuine concern for clients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informing the patient about a medication error and symptoms to report demonstrates transparency, honesty, and prioritizing the patient's safety and well-being. It shows genuine concern by ensuring the patient is informed and involved in their care. Choice A is incorrect as it provides false reassurance. Choice B is incorrect as delaying notification can harm the patient emotionally and undermine trust. Choice C is incorrect as it involves deception and risks the patient's well-being for assessment purposes.
Question 7 of 9
The team leader is teaching the nursing student about emergency respiratory equipment that should be available for Mr. L (tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy). Which piece of equipment is the most important to show to the student?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bag-valve mask with extension tubing. This is the most important equipment to show to the student because it is essential for providing immediate ventilation support in case of respiratory distress for a patient with a tracheostomy or partial laryngectomy. The bag-valve mask allows for manual ventilation by delivering oxygen to the patient's lungs, and the extension tubing ensures easy access to the patient's airway. A: An adult-sized endotracheal tube is not the most important equipment in this scenario as the patient already has a tracheostomy in place. B: A laryngeal scope with blades of several sizes is used for visualizing the larynx and not essential for immediate respiratory support. D: A tracheostomy insertion tray is used for performing tracheostomy procedures and not required for routine emergency respiratory support. In summary, the bag-valve mask with extension tubing is the most critical equipment for immediate ventilation support
Question 8 of 9
The nurse discusses smoking cessation with a client. Which action, if taken by the nurse, would most likely result in a behavior change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because collaborating with the client to develop an individualized plan of action empowers the client to take ownership of their smoking cessation journey. This approach considers the client's unique needs, preferences, and circumstances, increasing the likelihood of successful behavior change. Option A is less effective as simply advising the client to contact a quitline may not address the client's specific barriers or motivations. Option B focuses on interventions but lacks the personalized aspect that is crucial for behavior change. Option D, while important, does not directly involve the client in the decision-making process, reducing the client's engagement and investment in the cessation process.
Question 9 of 9
A patient is irritable and complains to the nurse about difficulty sleeping last night. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates active listening and encourages the patient to share more information about their difficulty sleeping. By asking the patient to elaborate, the nurse can gather important details to identify the root cause and provide appropriate interventions. Choice A is dismissive and lacks empathy. Choice C makes an assumption without gathering more information. Choice D is a generalization and does not address the patient's specific concerns.