The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?

Questions 53

ATI RN

ATI RN Test Bank

Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assertive, responsible, and caring communication. This approach is effective because it involves setting clear boundaries (assertive), taking ownership of the situation (responsible), and showing empathy and support (caring). By being assertive, the nurse can communicate expectations clearly. Being responsible conveys accountability and encourages the patient to take ownership of their health. The caring aspect fosters a supportive environment, making the patient feel understood and motivated to change. Choice A (Authoritative, honest, and outright communication) may come off as too forceful and may not promote cooperation. Choice C (Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication) is contradictory - being aggressive does not align with being sympathetic. Choice D (Positive, expert, and focused communication) lacks the element of assertiveness needed to set clear boundaries and expectations.

Question 2 of 5

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 3 of 5

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 4 of 5

Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse–client relationship? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together towards shared goals, with both parties actively participating and contributing to decision-making processes. Collaboration fosters a relationship based on equality, respect, and shared responsibility, leading to improved outcomes for the client. A: Dependency is not a characteristic of mutuality as it implies one party relying solely on the other, which goes against the principles of collaboration and shared decision-making. C: Paternalism is not a characteristic of mutuality as it involves a one-sided approach where the nurse makes decisions on behalf of the client without their active involvement or input. D: Acceptance of differences, while important in promoting understanding and respect in the relationship, is not a defining characteristic of mutuality. It is more about acknowledging and respecting each other's unique perspectives rather than actively collaborating towards common goals.

Question 5 of 5

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.

Access More Questions!

ATI RN Basic


$89/ 30 days

ATI RN Premium


$150/ 90 days

Similar Questions