ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse plans to use self-disclosure to aid a mother and father in the grieving process after the death of their child. The steps of a helpful self-disclosure appear below. What is the first step?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Listen to the parents talk about their child and observe their movements and gestures. This is the first step in using self-disclosure effectively to aid in the grieving process. By actively listening to the parents talk about their child and observing their non-verbal cues, the nurse can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences. This step helps build rapport and trust, showing empathy and validation for the parents' feelings. The other choices are incorrect: A: Succinctly share a personal experience that is a similar grieving experience - This step should come after listening to the parents and understanding their situation. C: Reflect upon the parent's statements to communicate understanding - Reflecting on the parents' statements is important, but it is not the initial step in the self-disclosure process. D: Seek verification that the self-disclosure was helpful to the child's parents - Seeking verification should come later in the process, after the self-disclosure has been made and its impact assessed.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The nurse states, "If I were you, I would have radiation therapy." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Giving advice. In this scenario, the nurse is directly advising the patient on a course of action without fully understanding the patient's individual needs or preferences. Giving advice can hinder effective communication as it may come across as imposing one's own opinions onto the patient. In this case, the nurse should focus on empathetic listening and supporting the patient in making their own informed decisions. Incorrect choices: A: Inattentive listening - This refers to not paying attention to the patient, which is not demonstrated in the scenario. C: Using clichés - Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality, which is not the issue in the nurse's statement. D: Defensive response - This involves reacting defensively to criticism or feedback, which is not applicable to the nurse's advice-giving behavior in this scenario.
Question 4 of 9
Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective communication strategies?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it addresses the affective aspect of learning effective communication, which involves emotions, attitudes, and beliefs. Positive communication strategies can enhance confidence, leading to more effective interactions. Choice A focuses on technical aspects, choice B relates to nonverbal communication, and choice D emphasizes behavioral skills, but they do not directly address the emotional component of learning communication strategies.
Question 5 of 9
According to Swanson's theory, there are five caring processes, one of which is "being with." Which of the responses by the nurse portrays an understanding of the concept of "being with" a client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because "being with" in Swanson's theory refers to the nurse being emotionally present and fully engaged with the client. This involves active listening, empathy, and creating a supportive and therapeutic relationship. Charting in the room (A) does not demonstrate being present with the client. Wearing a locator badge (B) is more about accessibility than emotional presence. Requesting one-on-one staffing (C) may provide more time, but it doesn't guarantee emotional connection. In summary, choice D best reflects the concept of "being with" as it focuses on the nurse's emotional presence and attentiveness to the client's needs.
Question 6 of 9
Mr. L (tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy) has been receiving 10 mg of IV morphine for pain. The HCP tells the nurse that Mr. L will be switched to oral (liquid) hydromorphone 5 mg. When the nurse checks an equianalgesic dose table, she sees that 10 mg of morphine equals 5 mg of hydromorphone. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Understand that equianalgesic doses are based on average conversion ratios. Step 2: Recognize that individual patient variations can affect opioid conversion accuracy. Step 3: Understand that cross-tolerance can impact the efficacy of equianalgesic conversions. Step 4: Acknowledge that upward titration may be necessary to ensure adequate pain control. Step 5: Realize that starting with a lower dose of hydromorphone may not provide adequate pain relief due to potential cross-tolerance. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it emphasizes the importance of considering individual patient factors and the potential need for upward titration to ensure safety and efficacy in pain management. Summary: - Option A is incorrect because it focuses on verifying the equianalgesic dose rather than considering individual patient factors. - Option C is irrelevant as it does not address the need for potential dose adjustment. - Option D is incomplete and does not provide any guidance on managing the opioid
Question 7 of 9
The team leader must assign a UAP to help care for Mr. N with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For this neutropenic client, which factor is most important in making this assignment?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because the UAP having no experience with neutropenic precautions is the most important factor to consider when assigning care for a neutropenic client like Mr. N. Neutropenic clients are at high risk for infections due to low white blood cell count, so it is crucial for the UAP to have knowledge and experience in following strict infection control practices. Choices A, B, and D are not as critical because a UAP being pregnant in the first trimester, having cold symptoms, or having a fear of isolation clients do not directly impact their ability to provide safe care for a neutropenic client.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse says to a patient, "I am going to take your TPR, and then I'll check to see whether you can have a PRN analgesic." In considering factors that affect communication, the nurse has:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - The nurse has used medical jargon, which might not be understood by the patient. Rationale: 1. "TPR" and "PRN" are medical abbreviations that may not be familiar to the patient. 2. Using medical jargon can lead to confusion and miscommunication. 3. Effective communication in healthcare requires using language that the patient can easily understand. 4. It is important for the nurse to ensure clear and concise communication to promote patient understanding and cooperation. Summary of other choices: A: This choice is incorrect because using terminology that the patient may not understand does not constitute clear communication. B: This choice is incorrect because providing relevant information, even if technical, is not unnecessary if it aids in patient understanding. D: This choice is incorrect because simply stating what is happening without ensuring understanding does not address the issue of effective communication.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse openly and genuinely discusses thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections with a group of college students. Which benefit(s) may occur for these college students? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because openly discussing sexually transmitted infections can help build trust between the nurse and the college students. This trust can lead to a more open and honest dialogue, making the students feel comfortable seeking information and support. Choice A is incorrect because open discussions would likely encourage continued engagement. Choice C is incorrect as discussing such important topics can enhance the nurse's credibility. Choice D is incorrect as open communication fosters belief in the reliability and accuracy of the information shared.