ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nurse provides care to a client from Nigeria who is visiting the United States. Which should the nurse use to communicate with this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting a cultural assessment allows the nurse to understand the client's individual health beliefs and behaviors. This approach promotes culturally competent care by tailoring interventions to the client's specific needs. Option A is incorrect as it assumes all Nigerians have the same health beliefs. Option C is not necessary as the nurse can directly assess the client. Option D does not consider the importance of cultural competence in communication. Conducting a cultural assessment ensures effective communication and respectful care.
Question 2 of 9
A Hispanic patient approaches the Asian nurse and, standing very close, touches the nurse's shoulder during their conversation. The nurse begins to step back to 18 to 24 inches, while smiling and nodding to the patient. This situation is most likely an example of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: a difference in culturally learned personal space of the nurse and the patient. This is because different cultures have varying norms regarding personal space. In this scenario, the Hispanic patient touching the Asian nurse's shoulder and standing very close suggests a cultural difference in personal space expectations. The nurse stepping back to establish a distance of 18 to 24 inches is a respectful response to accommodate the patient's cultural norm. It demonstrates cultural competence and understanding. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: the nurse's need to maintain a professional role rather than a social role - This choice does not address the cultural aspect of personal space and assumes the nurse's response is solely professional. B: a patient's attempt to keep the nurse's attention - This choice does not consider the cultural factor influencing the patient's behavior. C: a nurse's need to establish a more appropriate location for conversation - This choice does not acknowledge the cultural difference in personal space as the primary reason for the nurse
Question 3 of 9
In order to safeguard patient information when using a computer, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: change the computer password frequently. This is essential to safeguard patient information on a computer. Changing passwords regularly enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access. By doing so, the nurse ensures that even if someone gains access to their password, it will soon be outdated. This practice aligns with best practices for maintaining confidentiality and data security. Now, let's analyze the other choices: A: Using only the computer at the nurse's station limits flexibility and convenience for accessing patient information. B: Waiting until the end of the shift to document information increases the risk of errors and delays in updating patient records. C: Using personal code words and abbreviations may lead to misinterpretation of information and compromise patient confidentiality. In summary, changing the computer password frequently is the most effective measure to safeguard patient information on a computer, while the other options do not provide the same level of security and confidentiality.
Question 4 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. In the nursing process, planning is a crucial step where the nurse collaborates with the patient, family, and caregivers to develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to the patient's needs and specific disease process. This step involves setting goals, determining interventions, and creating a roadmap for the patient's care. Planning ensures that the care provided is individualized, evidence-based, and addresses the patient's unique circumstances. Evaluation (A) comes after planning to assess the effectiveness of interventions. Implementation (C) involves carrying out the planned interventions. Nursing diagnosis (D) is an earlier step where the nurse identifies the patient's health problems and needs. Planning stands out as the most important step as it guides the entire care process.
Question 5 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 active skill development. By practicing these gestures, they can receive immediate feedback from the preceptor and improve their ability to convey warmth effectively. Choice B is incorrect because simply observing behaviors of experienced nurses may not actively engage the graduate nurses in practicing and developing their own skills. Choice C is incorrect because providing a list of nonverbal behaviors may not be as effective as hands-on practice in improving the graduate nurses' ability to convey warmth. Choice D is incorrect because having the graduate nurses evaluate each other during simulated interviews may not provide structured guidance and feedback from the preceptor to help them improve their nonverbal communication skills effectively.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse sees that Mr. B (bladder cancer) has received docusate for the past 2 days. Which question is the nurse most likely to ask to evaluate the effectiveness of the docusate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Docusate is a stool softener commonly used to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid pain medications. By asking if the patient had a bowel movement today or yesterday, the nurse can evaluate the effectiveness of docusate in facilitating bowel movements. This question directly assesses the expected outcome of the medication. A: "Are you experiencing any burning with urination?" - This question is more relevant to urinary tract infections, not related to docusate use for constipation. C: "Has the medication helped to relieve the nausea?" - Docusate is not typically used to relieve nausea, so this question is not relevant to evaluating its effectiveness. D: "Were you able to sleep soundly the last couple of nights?" - This question is not directly related to the expected outcome of docusate in treating constipation.
Question 7 of 9
Which assessment finding is the most critical and needs to be addressed first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because tracheal deviation after a pulmonary resection indicates a life-threatening condition like tension pneumothorax. This condition requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress and potential cardiovascular collapse. Tracheal deviation is a red flag sign that signals a medical emergency. Options B, C, and D are important but not as urgent as tracheal deviation. Decreased urinary output in a bladder cancer patient could indicate renal dysfunction, dysrhythmias in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may need further evaluation, and severe abdominal pain post-bowel resection could signal complications but are not as immediately life-threatening as tracheal deviation.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse is reviewing Mr. N's (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) medication administration record and sees that the combination therapy aprepitant, dexamethasone, and ondansetron was administered during the last shift. What is the nurse most likely to ask to determine efficacy of the therapy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The nurse would ask about feelings of nausea and vomiting to determine the efficacy of the antiemetic therapy. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of chemotherapy, which Mr. N would receive for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Improvement in these symptoms indicates the effectiveness of the antiemetic regimen. Choices A, B, and D are not directly related to the medications administered and would not provide valuable information on the efficacy of the therapy for managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Option A focuses on pain assessment, B on appetite and food preferences, and D on energy levels and fatigue, which are not the primary outcomes to evaluate in this context.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse makes a home visit to a client with chronic kidney disease. The client asks the nurse to make the decision about whether or not to start dialysis. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and involve them in decision-making. Step 2: By inviting the client to make a decision after reviewing options, the nurse promotes client-centered care. Step 3: This approach empowers the client to participate actively in their healthcare decisions. Step 4: It aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Summary: Choice B is correct as it respects the client's autonomy and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is not appropriate as it bypasses the client's involvement. Choice C is not ideal as the client should be actively involved. Choice D may provide information but doesn't involve the client in decision-making.