ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is interviewing a Native American client. It is most important for the nurse to take which action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess whether the client is comfortable with eye contact. In Native American culture, eye contact norms can vary, with some individuals finding direct eye contact disrespectful. By assessing the client's comfort with eye contact, the nurse can demonstrate cultural sensitivity and respect the client's preferences. This ensures effective communication and builds trust. Incorrect choices: A: Maintaining eye contact may be perceived as disrespectful by some Native American clients. C: Avoiding prolonged eye contact assumes all Native American clients prefer limited eye contact, which is a generalization. D: Sitting next to the patient to avoid eye contact may not address the client's preferences and could be seen as avoidance behavior.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse cares for a patient who has metastatic cancer. Which action(s) by the nurse conveys warmth? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Showing interest by occasional head nodding conveys warmth as it demonstrates active listening and engagement with the patient. This non-verbal cue can make the patient feel heard and understood. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding distracting actions like hand gestures may come off as cold or disinterested. Choice C leaning forward at a 45-degree angle can be perceived as invading the patient's personal space rather than conveying warmth. Choice D, placing arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting, can be interpreted as defensive or closed-off, which does not communicate warmth to the patient.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse cares for a client who does not follow dietary recommendations for treatment of heart failure. Which statement, if made by the nurse, demonstrates respect for the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "I care about you even if you are not following your dietary restrictions." This statement demonstrates respect for the client by acknowledging the client's autonomy and worth as an individual, regardless of their choices. It shows empathy and compassion without judgment, promoting a supportive and non-judgmental relationship. Explanation: A: This statement is dismissive and indifferent, lacking empathy and respect for the client's choices. B: This statement uses a conditional approach, linking attention from the physician to following diet restrictions, which may come off as manipulative and lacks genuine care for the client. D: This statement uses a comparison approach, which may make the client feel judged or inadequate for not following dietary recommendations. It also implies that better healthcare is contingent on following a specific diet, which may not always be true.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse instructs a client who is diagnosed with hypertension about weight reduction and dietary guidelines. Which action by the nurse would most likely improve the client's willingness to lose weight and eat healthy foods?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Give genuine praise to the client for trying to improve dietary habits. This action reinforces positive behavior and motivates the client to continue making healthy choices. It creates a supportive and encouraging environment, which can enhance the client's willingness to stick to the weight reduction and dietary guidelines. Summary of incorrect choices: A: Avoiding interaction during meals may lead to the client feeling isolated and unsupported, hindering their motivation. B: Ignoring the client's requests for unhealthy foods does not address the underlying reasons for those cravings and may create feelings of deprivation. D: Warning about potential negative consequences of being overweight can induce fear and anxiety, which are not effective motivators for sustainable behavior change.
Question 5 of 5
An experienced nurse is supervising a student nurse in an acute care setting. Which statement, if made by the experienced nurse, would be most appropriate to help the student nurse establish credibility with other nurses on the unit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Be honest with the nurses about your strengths and about areas that need improvement." This statement is the most appropriate because it emphasizes the importance of being transparent and authentic in one's interactions. By acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement, the student nurse shows humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. This approach fosters trust and respect from other nurses, as it demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth. Option A is incorrect because it discourages the student nurse by implying that credibility is unattainable due to lack of experience. Option B is incorrect as it suggests hiding feelings of inadequacy, which can lead to inauthenticity and hinder genuine connections with colleagues. Option D is incorrect as it promotes a superficial and transactional approach to building relationships, rather than focusing on genuine communication and mutual respect.