ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions
Question 1 of 9
The nursing student tells the team leader that Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) has just asked her to stay after the shift ends so that she can meet her granddaughter. What is the best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct response is C: "It sounds like you really made a connection with Ms. C." This response acknowledges the student's positive interaction with the patient, encouraging empathy and recognizing the importance of building therapeutic relationships in nursing practice. By showing support and validation for the student's connection with the patient, it fosters a positive learning experience and reinforces the value of patient-centered care. Choice A is incorrect as it deflects responsibility onto the instructor and does not address the student's interaction with the patient. Choice B puts the focus on the student's opinion rather than acknowledging the relationship with the patient. Choice D is incorrect as it dismisses the student's connection with the patient and does not encourage the development of a therapeutic relationship.
Question 2 of 9
When the nurse is giving direction to a nursing assistant who is being delegated part of the patient care, the nurse's most effective direction would be:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it provides clear and specific instructions by prioritizing tasks (morning care) and specifying the patients (205 and 206, bedridden). This ensures efficient and effective care delivery. Choice B lacks specificity and may overwhelm the nursing assistant. Choice C and D are incomplete, providing no guidance. To delegate effectively, clear instructions, prioritization, and consideration of patient needs are essential.
Question 3 of 9
The home care nurse is assigned to make the first home visit to a new client who has been discharged from the hospital. After initial introductions, the nurse should take which action to convey respect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Wear a name badge that clearly identifies the home care agency. This action conveys professionalism, credibility, and respect for the client by clearly identifying the nurse's affiliation and role. It helps establish trust and ensures transparency. A: Asking the client to develop a list of needs for the next visit may be premature and could come across as insensitive or overwhelming for the client during the initial meeting. It does not directly convey respect. C: Providing contact information for other clients as references is inappropriate and breaches confidentiality. It can also violate the client's privacy and trust. This action does not convey respect. D: Assuring the client of confidentiality is important, but it may not directly convey respect in the same way as wearing a name badge does. It is an essential aspect of professionalism but does not establish credibility or respect as visibly as wearing a name badge.
Question 4 of 9
A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me." Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it acknowledges the patient's specific concerns about taking care of herself and her baby. By reflecting back what the patient has expressed, the nurse shows understanding and empathy. Choice A implies doubt in the patient's perception, B makes an assumption about low self-esteem without evidence, and D does not directly address the patient's immediate worries. Empathy involves actively listening, understanding the patient's emotions, and responding with sensitivity to their unique situation.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse will appropriately and deliberately use the closed question technique when the patient is: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The closed question technique is used to gather specific information or facts. When a patient is being asked for specific information, using closed questions can help guide the conversation and elicit precise responses. Closed questions typically require a yes or no answer or a specific piece of information. In contrast, open-ended questions are more suitable when exploring feelings or emotions (choices B and C) or when dealing with confusion (choice D). Closed questions may not be effective when a patient is extremely anxious and unfocused, as open-ended questions may be more appropriate to allow the patient to express themselves more freely. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer because using closed questions in this scenario helps to gather precise information effectively.
Question 6 of 9
A nurse is delegating to a nursing assistant. The most appropriate form of this type of communication would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it provides clear, specific instructions for the nursing assistant on when to notify the nurse about Mr. Jones' condition. It includes a specific parameter (heart rate greater than 100) which helps in identifying the urgency of the situation. Options A, B, and C are vague and lack specificity, making it difficult for the nursing assistant to know when to escalate the situation. Option D ensures effective communication and appropriate delegation by setting clear expectations for when the nurse needs to be notified.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse greets a patient who is admitted to the hospital. Which action by the nurse displays warmth and concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because using a soft and relaxed tone of voice conveys warmth and concern, creating a welcoming and comforting environment for the patient. This approach helps build rapport and trust. Choice B is incorrect because maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet may come off as cold and distant, lacking warmth and concern. Choice C is incorrect because avoiding attentive behaviors can make the patient feel neglected and uncared for, which does not display warmth and concern. Choice D is incorrect because engaging in a verbal exchange without physical contact alone may not be enough to demonstrate genuine warmth and concern towards the patient.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse caring for a patient who fell off the roof while he was intoxicated asks the patient, "Why in the world were you on the roof when you had been drinking?" The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Asking probing questions. In this scenario, the nurse's question is intrusive and seeks detailed information that may not be necessary for the patient's care. Probing questions can make the patient feel uncomfortable and defensive, hindering effective communication. By asking why the patient was on the roof while intoxicated, the nurse is not focusing on the immediate care needs of the patient but rather delving into personal details. This type of communication can lead to a breakdown in trust between the nurse and the patient. Summary: A: Changing the subject - This is not the correct choice as the nurse's statement does not involve diverting the conversation to a different topic. B: Defensive response - This is not the correct choice as the nurse's statement is not defensive but rather inquisitive. C: Inattentive listening - This is not the correct choice as the nurse is actively engaging in conversation with the patient, albeit in a probing manner.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse recognizes the patient who demonstrates communication congruency when the patient:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step 1: The patient is tearful and slow in speech when talking about her husband's death. Step 2: Verbal message: Discussing husband's death, Nonverbal message: Tearful and slow speech. Step 3: Verbal and nonverbal messages are congruent - sadness is reflected in both. Step 4: This congruency indicates genuine emotions and honest communication. Step 5: Therefore, choice C is correct as it demonstrates communication congruency. Summary: Choice A: Incongruent communication - smiling and laughing contradict feelings of loneliness and depression. Choice B: Incongruent communication - hand-wringing and pacing contradict denial of being upset. Choice D: Incongruent communication - stating comfort while frowning and teeth clenched contradict each other.