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 patient who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Which statement by the nurse is therapeutic?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's emotions. Acknowledging the patient's fear shows understanding and support, which is essential in therapeutic communication. Choice B gives false hope and may not be accurate. Choice C dismisses the seriousness of the diagnosis. Choice D is unrelated and does not address the patient's emotional needs. In summary, choice A is therapeutic as it shows empathy and support, while the other choices are either inaccurate, dismissive, or irrelevant.
Question 3 of 9
The home health nurse visits a client with heart failure who has increased dyspnea and peripheral edema and weight gain. The nurse suspects the client is not restricting fluids as prescribed. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Asking the client to report the amount of fluid intake for the past 24 hours is the most appropriate action because it provides objective data on the client's adherence to fluid restrictions. Step 2: This information helps the nurse to assess the client's compliance and make informed decisions about the next steps in care. Step 3: By obtaining accurate information on fluid intake, the nurse can identify any discrepancies between prescribed fluid restrictions and actual intake, leading to appropriate interventions. Step 4: This action promotes client accountability and empowers them to take an active role in managing their health. In summary, choice B is correct as it directly addresses the issue of non-adherence to fluid restrictions by gathering crucial information for assessment and intervention. Choices A, C, and D do not provide immediate actionable data on the client's fluid intake and do not address the core issue effectively.
Question 4 of 9
The home health nurse cares for a patient who is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which response(s) and behavior(s) by the nurse would indicate that bonding between nurse and patient has occurred? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because listening to the patient describe their feelings of anxiety related to severe dyspnea indicates empathy, active listening, and emotional support, which are essential for building a strong nurse-patient bond. By actively listening to the patient's concerns, the nurse shows genuine care and understanding, fostering trust and connection. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect: A: Expects the patient to meet exercise goals - This choice emphasizes a more authoritative approach and does not necessarily indicate a strong bond. C: Develops teaching plan based on learning preferences - While important for effective teaching, this choice focuses on education rather than emotional connection. D: Refrains from touching the patient - Touch can be a comforting gesture and important for physical assessment, but avoiding it altogether may not necessarily indicate bonding.
Question 5 of 9
The charge nurse informs a staff nurse that it is her turn to float to another unit. Which response by the staff nurse is aggressive?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it contains a threat ("you'll be sorry") and implies superiority ("you cannot handle emergencies without me"). This response is aggressive as it seeks to manipulate or intimidate the charge nurse. In contrast, choices A, B, and C express concerns or opinions without aggression by simply stating feelings or thoughts without any form of threat or superiority.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse manager offers a staff nurse a choice between working 8- or 12-hour shifts. Which statement, if made by the staff nurse, is nonassertive and may result in a frustrated response from the nurse manager?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: - Choice A is correct because it is nonassertive and implies a desire for control over others' schedules, which may frustrate the nurse manager. - Choice B is incorrect because it shows indifference, not assertiveness. - Choice C is incorrect as it expresses a clear preference without being nonassertive. - Choice D is incorrect because it is assertive but in a negative and confrontational way.
Question 7 of 9
A 67-year-old woman had major abdominal surgery yesterday. She has IV lines, a urinary catheter, and an abdominal wound dressing, and she is receiving PRN pain medication. The end of shift report that best conveys the patient status is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides the most detailed and comprehensive information about the patient's status, including specific details about the abdominal dressing, IV fluid status, urine output, pain management, comfort level, and vital signs. This level of detail is crucial for understanding the patient's condition post-surgery. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specific details regarding the patient's clinical status. Choice B is more detailed but still lacks key information such as urine output and specific pain medication doses. Choice D is incorrect as it focuses more on non-clinical information and does not provide essential details about the patient's medical condition. In summary, choice C is correct because it offers a thorough and detailed overview of the patient's medical status, making it the most appropriate choice for an end-of-shift report in a healthcare setting.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse needs to obtain a health history from a Spanish-speaking patient. Which action by the nurse is best?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Request a Spanish-speaking medical interpreter. This is the best action because it ensures accurate and effective communication between the nurse and the patient, maintaining patient confidentiality and preventing misinterpretation. Using a bilingual friend of the patient (A) may lead to bias or inaccurate translation. Nonverbal communication and drawing pictures (B) may not convey complex medical information effectively. Interviewing the patient's English-speaking daughter (D) may result in miscommunication and potential inaccuracies in the health history.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse caring for a patient who fell off the roof while he was intoxicated asks the patient, "Why in the world were you on the roof when you had been drinking?" The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asking probing questions. In this scenario, the nurse's question is intrusive and seeks detailed information that may not be necessary for the patient's care. Probing questions can make the patient feel uncomfortable and defensive, hindering effective communication. By asking why the patient was on the roof while intoxicated, the nurse is not focusing on the immediate care needs of the patient but rather delving into personal details. This type of communication can lead to a breakdown in trust between the nurse and the patient. Summary: A: Changing the subject - This is not the correct choice as the nurse's statement does not involve diverting the conversation to a different topic. B: Defensive response - This is not the correct choice as the nurse's statement is not defensive but rather inquisitive. C: Inattentive listening - This is not the correct choice as the nurse is actively engaging in conversation with the patient, albeit in a probing manner.