ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had a mastectomy (breast removal). The patient expresses concern that her husband will no longer find her attractive because of her mastectomy. The nurse appropriately responds:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates active listening and empathy by reflecting the patient's concern. It shows that the nurse acknowledges the patient's feelings without making assumptions or offering false reassurance. Answer B may invalidate the patient's feelings by assuming the husband will find her attractive. Answer C redirects the focus to the nurse's experience, which may not be relevant to the patient. Answer D is inappropriate as it suggests drastic action and does not address the patient's emotional needs.
Question 2 of 9
As an experienced staff nurse, you have been asked to create a teaching guide for nursing orientation on respect. Accessing the list from Ehow about being genuine, you would include all of the following. (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Acting natural around others promotes authenticity and builds trust in relationships. 2. Being genuine involves being true to oneself and not putting on a facade. 3. It fosters open communication and understanding among colleagues. 4. It helps create a positive and respectful work environment. Summary: Choice A is correct because being genuine is essential in promoting respect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while listening, admitting mistakes, and sincere compliments are important, they do not directly relate to the concept of being genuine in fostering respect.
Question 3 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: Wear a name badge that clearly identifies the home care agency. This action conveys professionalism, credibility, and respect for the client by clearly identifying the nurse's affiliation and role. It helps establish trust and ensures transparency. A: Asking the client to develop a list of needs for the next visit may be premature and could come across as insensitive or overwhelming for the client during the initial meeting. It does not directly convey respect. C: Providing contact information for other clients as references is inappropriate and breaches confidentiality. It can also violate the client's privacy and trust. This action does not convey respect. D: Assuring the client of confidentiality is important, but it may not directly convey respect in the same way as wearing a name badge does. It is an essential aspect of professionalism but does not establish credibility or respect as visibly as wearing a name badge.
Question 4 of 9
According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, nurses are also exposed to this type of behavior within their professional environment. In teaching the possibility to an incoming graduate nurse, you know that the nurse understands when he or she includes which of the following as abusive conduct? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Threats. Threats are considered abusive conduct in the context of workplace bullying. Threats can create a hostile work environment and harm the well-being of nurses. Humiliation, intimidation, and physical abuse are also forms of abusive conduct, but in this specific question, the focus is on identifying the behavior that constitutes abuse within the professional environment for nurses. Therefore, while humiliation, intimidation, and physical abuse are indeed harmful behaviors, threats specifically align with the definition of abusive conduct as outlined by the Workplace Bullying Institute in the context of workplace bullying among nurses.
Question 5 of 9
Which facial feature, if displayed by the nurse, best conveys warmth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because relaxed muscles and a concerned expression convey warmth. Relaxed muscles indicate a sense of calm and approachability, while a concerned expression shows empathy and care. Small pupils and a fixed gaze (A) can be perceived as cold or distant. Furrowed brow and wrinkled forehead (B) suggest tension or worry. Pursed lips and a forced smile (C) may come across as insincere. In summary, D is the best choice as it combines physical relaxation with emotional warmth.
Question 6 of 9
A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me." Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the patient's specific concerns about taking care of herself and her baby. By reflecting back what the patient has expressed, the nurse shows understanding and empathy. Choice A implies doubt in the patient's perception, B makes an assumption about low self-esteem without evidence, and D does not directly address the patient's immediate worries. Empathy involves actively listening, understanding the patient's emotions, and responding with sensitivity to their unique situation.
Question 7 of 9
A client has high blood pressure and needs to learn about a low-sodium diet. Which question if asked by the client would be an indirect request for information?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the client is indirectly asking for information on how to make food taste better without explicitly mentioning sodium or low-sodium diet. Choices A, C, and D are direct requests for information related to sodium intake, blood pressure control, and high-sodium foods, respectively. By choosing B, the client is hinting at the need for flavorful alternatives without directly addressing the issue of sodium restriction. This indirect approach suggests a desire to maintain taste while adapting to a low-sodium diet.
Question 8 of 9
Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) repeatedly calls for help during the shift with various small requests. She is talkative and pleasant, and she does everything she can to get staff members to "stay and chat." What is the best response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B - "You'll be okay for right now, and I will come back and check on you later." Rationale: 1. Acknowledges the patient's needs without dismissing them. 2. Sets boundaries by indicating that the nurse will return later. 3. Shows concern for the patient's well-being. 4. Maintains professionalism while addressing the patient's behavior. Summary: A: Does not set boundaries, may encourage the patient to continue seeking attention. C: Does not address the immediate need for the patient's care and may prolong the conversation. D: Passing off responsibility to volunteers may not address the underlying issue of the patient seeking excessive attention.
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.