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
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 9
The nursing supervisor instructs a group of novice nurses about the appropriate use of self-disclosure with patients. The nursing supervisor determines that teaching was successful if the novice nurse makes which statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Choice A is correct because it highlights the essence of self-disclosure in helping patients understand the nurse better. 2. Self-disclosure should focus on the nurse's own experiences, not stories about others (Choice B). 3. Self-disclosure can indeed be used to build trust with patients, but the primary goal is patient understanding (Choice C). 4. Fabricating personal experiences is unethical and goes against the purpose of self-disclosure (Choice D).
Question 4 of 9
The nurse has implemented a plan to improve expression of warmth to other nurses. It is most important for the nurse to include which evaluation method?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because self-monitoring interactions with colleagues allows the nurse to reflect on their own behaviors and emotions, promoting self-awareness and personal growth. This method enables the nurse to assess their progress in expressing warmth effectively. Incorrect answers: B: Asking patients for their perception focuses on patient-nurse interactions, not nurse-nurse interactions. C: Involving a supervisor may not provide accurate feedback on warmth expression among colleagues. D: Seeking nominations for an award does not necessarily assess the nurse's ability to express warmth to other nurses.
Question 5 of 9
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.
Question 6 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 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
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 9 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.