ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 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: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Self-disclosure can be used to build a trusting relationship with the patient. This is because sharing personal information appropriately can help create a connection and foster trust between the nurse and the patient. By being open and genuine, nurses can demonstrate empathy and understanding, leading to better communication and rapport. Choice A is incorrect because while self-disclosure can help the patient understand the nurse, the primary goal is to build a therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect because disclosing stories about others does not promote genuine connection and may not be relevant to the patient's care. Choice D is incorrect because fabricating personal experiences goes against the principles of honesty and authenticity in therapeutic communication.
Question 2 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, making the patient feel welcomed and cared for. It helps build rapport and comfort. Maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 feet (B) may create a sense of coldness and detachment. Avoiding attentive behaviors (C) will make the patient feel neglected and uncared for. Engaging in verbal exchange without physical contact (D) lacks the personal touch needed to show warmth and concern.
Question 3 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 4 of 9
A teacher at a local elementary school asks a nurse to talk to the students about nutrition. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it shows the nurse's willingness to understand the teacher's specific objectives and tailor the nutrition talk accordingly. This approach ensures that the nurse addresses the teacher's concerns and meets the students' needs effectively. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: Teaching students how to read nutrition labels may be important, but it assumes that this is the teacher's primary goal without confirming it first. C: Focusing on the consequences of obesity may not align with the teacher's desired focus on general nutrition education. D: While enthusiasm for teaching is positive, this response does not address the teacher's specific request for the nutrition talk.
Question 5 of 9
A patient is irritable and complains to the nurse about difficulty sleeping last night. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is B. Asking the patient to elaborate on what happened last night allows the nurse to gather more information about the situation, which is crucial for assessing the patient's sleep difficulties accurately. It shows active listening and empathy, building rapport and trust with the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the patient's concerns effectively or gather relevant information to provide appropriate care. Option A makes an assumption without understanding the root cause of the sleep issue. Option C assumes the cause of sleep difficulty without exploring further. Option D dismisses the patient's concerns without providing support or understanding.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse plans to delegate a client's personal hygiene to a nursing assistant. Which statement if made by the nurse to the nursing assistant is assertive?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C Rationale: 1. The statement in choice C is assertive because it clearly states the task, timeline, and expectation without being aggressive or demeaning. 2. It communicates the need for assistance with the client's bath and sets a clear priority. 3. It provides a specific instruction for the nursing assistant to assist the client immediately and then take a break. 4. This approach demonstrates effective delegation and ensures the client's needs are met promptly and respectfully. Summary: A: This choice is not assertive as it presents a conditional statement and implies a personal sacrifice by the nurse if the task is not completed. B: This choice is aggressive and threatening, which is not appropriate in a professional setting. D: This choice is directive but lacks consideration for the nursing assistant's well-being and does not communicate the urgency of the task for the client.
Question 7 of 9
A female nurse discusses a concern related to client care with a male physician. Which communication strategy, if used by the nurse, is most effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, using a direct approach with succinct sentences. This strategy is most effective as it conveys the nurse's concern clearly and efficiently, facilitating better understanding and communication with the physician. Being direct helps to address the issue promptly and allows for a more focused discussion. Choice A, assuming a subservient role, is incorrect as it may lead to a power imbalance and hinder effective communication. Choice C, asking questions instead of making recommendations, could be less effective in conveying the urgency or importance of the concern. Choice D, being polite and expecting politeness, is important but not sufficient for effective communication in this context.
Question 8 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: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Statistically fewer acute diabetic complications. This is because the study found a correlation between high empathy scores of physicians and lower occurrences of acute diabetic complications in their patients. The use of the term "statistically" implies a significant and reliable relationship between physician empathy and patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because the study did not specify "significantly" fewer complications, only a correlation with high empathy scores. Choice C is incorrect as there was no evidence of higher rates of chronic complications associated with physician empathy. Choice D is incorrect as the study did not find statistically higher poor outcomes for patients with diabetes, but rather a relationship with fewer acute complications.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and does not consistently follow the dietary restrictions and exercise recommendations. The patient takes a daily oral hypoglycemic agent as prescribed. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Acknowledges adherence to medication, reinforcing positive behavior. 2. Encourages patient compliance without judgment or criticism. 3. Focusing on the patient's effort in taking medication can lead to discussions about improving other aspects of diabetes management. Summary: B: While exercise is important, this choice may come across as dismissive and not addressing the patient's current behavior. C: This choice is judgmental and may damage the therapeutic relationship. D: This choice is defeatist and does not promote any positive change or motivation.