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
According to the ANA's Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice, there are several steps within the nursing process that surround patient care. However, one of the most important steps is the one in which the nurse partners with the patient, family, and other caregivers to create an acceptable path that meets the patient's needs and is specific to the disease process. This important step is identified as:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Planning. Planning involves collaboration with the patient, family, and caregivers to develop a course of action that addresses the patient's needs and is tailored to the disease process. This step ensures that care is individualized and effective. Evaluation (A) occurs after implementing the plan to assess outcomes. Implementation (C) involves carrying out the plan. Nursing diagnosis (D) is the identification of patient issues, not the collaborative planning process. In summary, planning is crucial as it guides the care process and ensures patient-centered care.
Question 3 of 9
A patient reports to the nurse, "My doctor is not doing anything about my pain.= Which response by the nurse is assertive and expresses warmth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it shows empathy and understanding towards the patient's feelings without being judgmental. The nurse acknowledges the patient's frustration, which validates their emotions and opens up further conversation. Choice A is not assertive and could come off as dismissive. Choice B puts words in the patient's mouth. Choice C is confrontational and doesn't address the patient's feelings.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
A patient with a nursing diagnosis of Sensory perception, disturbed auditory, would most appropriately require the nurse to:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Disturbed auditory perception means there is a deficit in the ability to receive/process auditory information. Step 2: Speaking slowly and distinctly helps the patient better understand and process the information. Step 3: Shouting may distort the sound and further confuse the patient. Step 4: Other options (A, C, D) address different sensory deficits and are not directly related to disturbed auditory perception.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse preceptor is assigned to help several graduate nurses assess their ability to convey warmth to patients. Which activity, if selected by the nurse preceptor, is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because setting up sessions for the graduate nurses to practice various nonverbal gestures allows for hands-on learning and skill development. This approach gives the nurses the opportunity to actively engage in practicing conveying warmth through nonverbal cues, such as smiling, eye contact, and body language. This experiential learning method is effective in helping the nurses understand and internalize the importance of nonverbal communication in conveying warmth to patients. Option B is incorrect because simply observing experienced nurses may not actively involve the graduate nurses in practicing and developing their own skills. Option C is less effective as just providing a list may not translate into practical application and skill development. Option D is not as effective as having the nurses evaluate each other may not provide the structured guidance and feedback needed for skill improvement.
Question 7 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 8 of 9
When the nurse enters the room, the patient is laughing out loud at something on TV. The patient stops and apologizes for the laughter, saying, "I guess I ought not be laughing at all since I am stuck here with two broken legs." The nurse can use evidence-based information when she responds:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer D: - Laughter has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system through various studies. - Laughter can trigger the release of endorphins and reduce stress hormones, promoting a sense of well-being. - This response is evidence-based as it aligns with research supporting the benefits of laughter for overall health. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Incorrect, as laughter is not always a cover-up for anxiety; it can also be a natural response to humor or joy. B: Incorrect, as there is no evidence to suggest that laughter decreases oxygen available for healing. C: Incorrect, as the impact of laughter on other patients is not relevant to the benefits it can have on the individual's health.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse cares for the mother of a child who died in the emergency room as a result of an accidental poisoning. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because accurately reflecting the mother's feelings shows empathy and understanding, validating her emotions. This response helps build trust and rapport, facilitating therapeutic communication. Option A focuses more on nonverbal cues, which may not convey the same level of understanding. Option C, repeating exact phrases, could come across as insincere or robotic. Option D, reflecting with the nurse's words, may not fully capture the mother's emotions. In summary, choice B is the most appropriate as it demonstrates active listening and genuine concern for the mother's grieving process.