ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse observes a nursing assistant interacting with an elderly patient. Which statement by the nursing assistant requires an immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because addressing an elderly patient as "Sweetie" is unprofessional and inappropriate. It can be seen as demeaning and disrespectful. The nurse should intervene immediately to remind the nursing assistant to maintain a professional and respectful tone when speaking to patients. A, B, and C are not the correct answers because they all involve appropriate and respectful ways of interacting with elderly patients. Offering to help remember the room location, reading from the patient's Bible, and asking for stories about their youth are all positive ways to engage with the patient and provide compassionate care.
Question 2 of 9
One study of Italian primary care physicians caring for diabetic patients showed that those scoring highest on the empathy test had patients with:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Empathy in healthcare has been linked to better patient outcomes due to improved communication and trust. Step 2: Physicians with high empathy are likely to provide better support and guidance to diabetic patients. Step 3: This support can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle changes. Step 4: Improved adherence can result in significantly fewer acute diabetic complications. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Summary: Choice A is correct because empathy improves patient care and adherence, leading to better outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the positive impact of empathy on patient outcomes.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse cares for elderly clients in an assisted living center. Which action by the nurse would best show respect for these clients?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because listening to the clients to identify their healthcare needs demonstrates respect by valuing their input and autonomy. It acknowledges their individuality and promotes person-centered care. A is incorrect because patronizing clients is disrespectful and undermines their autonomy. C is incorrect because addressing clients formally by their last names may not necessarily show respect if it is not the preferred form of address for the clients. D is incorrect because limiting the clients' opportunities to express opinions goes against respecting their autonomy and dignity.
Question 4 of 9
While admitting a patient to the medical unit, the nurse should take which action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a plan of care and measurable objectives with the patient promotes patient-centered care, collaboration, and shared decision-making. It ensures that the patient's preferences and needs are considered, leading to better outcomes. A: Demonstrating human caring by hugging the patient may be inappropriate due to professional boundaries and individual comfort levels. B: Disclosing shared intimate details with other healthcare providers violates patient confidentiality and privacy. C: Maintaining a physical distance is important for infection control but does not address the holistic care needs of the patient.
Question 5 of 9
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 6 of 9
The nurse cares for an adult client diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which is essential in building mutuality in the nurse– client relationship?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because building mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves collaboration and shared decision-making. By involving the client in making decisions about self-care, the nurse fosters a sense of partnership and empowers the client to take ownership of their health. This approach promotes trust, respect, and active participation in managing diabetes. A is incorrect because retaining power and making judgments can create a hierarchical relationship, undermining mutuality. C is incorrect as having expert knowledge is important, but it does not necessarily build mutuality without involving the client in decision-making. D is incorrect because solving problems for the client may hinder their autonomy and growth in managing their condition independently.
Question 7 of 9
The hospital nurse educator develops an educational session for staff nurses on how to clearly record data in a patient's electronic medical record. Which key point should the nurse educator include in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because patients who are at high risk for falls require more frequent documentation to ensure their safety. Falls are a common patient safety concern in healthcare settings, and timely and accurate documentation can help prevent falls. Choice B is incorrect because using labels like "good" or "lazy" to describe patients is subjective and unprofessional, and can lead to misunderstandings among healthcare providers. Choice C is incorrect because detailed and specific documentation is required for quality patient care and communication among healthcare providers, not just for legal reasons. Choice D is incorrect because while clear and concise documentation is important, it does not address the specific need for more frequent documentation for high-risk patients.
Question 8 of 9
It would be most important for the nurse to temporarily withdraw expressions of warmth to which patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 56-year-old patient with a history of violent behavior poses a potential risk to the nurse's safety. Temporarily withdrawing expressions of warmth can help establish boundaries and ensure the nurse's safety. Choices A, B, and C involve patients who may benefit from expressions of warmth to build rapport and trust, thus making them incorrect in this scenario.
Question 9 of 9
A patient asks the nurse to make a decision for her about whether or not to continue taking hormone replacement therapy (estrogen). Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it supports patient autonomy and informed decision-making. As a nurse, it is essential to empower patients to make their own healthcare decisions. By offering to answer questions and providing information, the nurse encourages the patient to take an active role in their treatment plan. This approach respects the patient's right to choose and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is incorrect as it deflects responsibility and does not encourage the patient to be involved in the decision-making process. Choice B is irrelevant as personal anecdotes are not a reliable basis for medical decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it promotes personal preference over evidence-based practice. Ultimately, choice C aligns with ethical principles of patient-centered care and respects the patient's autonomy.