ATI RN
Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication Questions
Question 1 of 5
To begin talking with a newly admitted patient about pain management, the nurse would most appropriately state:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it encourages open communication and allows the patient to express their experience of pain. By asking the patient to describe their pain, the nurse gathers valuable information to assess and manage the pain effectively. Choice A may assume the patient's comfort level, Choice C assumes the pain is recurring without patient input, and Choice D dismisses the patient's concerns. Overall, only Choice B promotes active listening and patient-centered care.
Question 2 of 5
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 5
When the nurse makes the statement, "We can come back to that later—right now I need to know about when your symptoms started," the nurse is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. By saying, "We can come back to that later—right now I need to know about when your symptoms started," the nurse is refocusing the patient to the issue at hand when the conversation has wandered. This response helps maintain the focus of the conversation on gathering important information about the patient's symptoms, which is crucial for providing appropriate care. It acknowledges the patient's concerns while redirecting the conversation back to the main topic. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the nurse's intention in the given statement. Choice A implies judgment on the patient's conversation topic, choice B suggests limiting the patient's emotional expression, and choice D implies a rushed or dismissive attitude towards the conversation, none of which are demonstrated by the nurse's response.
Question 4 of 5
The practical nursing student who is engaged in a therapeutic communication with a patient will have the most difficulty with the technique of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: silence. In therapeutic communication, silence can be challenging for students as it requires them to be comfortable with pauses in conversation, which can sometimes feel awkward. However, silence can be a powerful tool in allowing the patient to reflect and express their thoughts. Closed questions (A) limit communication, restating (B) encourages the patient to elaborate, and using general leads (C) helps open up the conversation. Therefore, the practical nursing student will have the most difficulty with silence as it may be perceived as ineffective or uncomfortable.
Question 5 of 5
When a patient states, "I don't feel like walking today," the nurse's most therapeutic verbal response would be:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "You don't want to walk today?" This response shows empathy and encourages the patient to express their feelings further. It validates the patient's emotions without judgment, fostering a therapeutic relationship. Choice A is directive and dismisses the patient's feelings. Choice C shifts the focus to the nurse's feelings, not addressing the patient's concerns. Choice D is confrontational and may make the patient defensive instead of exploring their feelings. In summary, option B demonstrates active listening and promotes open communication, making it the most therapeutic response.