ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
To convey the intervention of active listening, the nurse would:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because active listening involves making a conscious effort to block out other sounds in the immediate environment, demonstrating full focus on the speaker. This allows the nurse to truly understand the patient's perspective and feelings. Maintaining eye contact (A) is important but staring can be intimidating. Prompting the patient (B) may disrupt their train of thought. Writing down remarks (D) can be perceived as disengagement. In summary, active listening requires focused attention and empathy, which choice C exemplifies.
Question 2 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.
Question 3 of 9
When a patient states, "My son hasn't been to see me in months," the nurse's best verbal response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Reflective listening: Restating the patient's statement shows empathy and understanding. 2. Open-ended question: Encourages patient to share more without assumptions. 3. Non-judgmental: Neutral tone promotes trust and openness. 4. Validates patient's feelings: Acknowledges patient's concerns without dismissing them. Summary: A: Provides false reassurance, does not address the patient's feelings. C: Shifts focus to the nurse, not patient-centered. D: Implies judgment, may shut down communication.
Question 4 of 9
A patient reports to the nurse, "My doctor is not doing anything about my pain." Which response by the nurse is assertive and expresses warmth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's feelings without judgment and expresses empathy. The nurse reflects the patient's emotions by stating, "You seem frustrated with your doctor," showing understanding. Option A is dismissive, suggesting the patient change doctors. Option B assumes the patient's feelings and could come off as confrontational. Option C is accusatory and could make the patient defensive. Overall, option D is assertive, warm, and empathetic, making it the best response in this situation.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient who is concerned about her 10-pound weight loss relative to her chemotherapy tells the patient, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using clichés. The nurse's statement, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining," is a cliché that minimizes the patient's concerns about her weight loss and chemotherapy. Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality and can be dismissive or unhelpful in communication. In this case, the nurse's response does not address the patient's emotional or physical needs and fails to provide meaningful support. Incorrect choices: A: Defensive response - This choice involves reacting defensively to the patient's concerns, which is not demonstrated in the nurse's statement. B: Asking probing questions - This choice involves seeking further information from the patient, which is not reflected in the nurse's cliché response. D: Changing the subject - This choice involves diverting the conversation away from the patient's concerns, which is not explicitly done in the given scenario.
Question 6 of 9
To convey the intervention of active listening, the nurse would:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because active listening involves making a conscious effort to block out other sounds in the immediate environment, demonstrating full focus on the speaker. This allows the nurse to truly understand the patient's perspective and feelings. Maintaining eye contact (A) is important but staring can be intimidating. Prompting the patient (B) may disrupt their train of thought. Writing down remarks (D) can be perceived as disengagement. In summary, active listening requires focused attention and empathy, which choice C exemplifies.
Question 7 of 9
According to the NCSBN, appropriate self-disclosure is a part of maintaining professional boundaries. Appropriate self-disclosure includes the following:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because appropriate self-disclosure in a therapeutic setting should be brief, focused, and only shared if it enhances the therapeutic relationship. This helps maintain professional boundaries and keeps the focus on the patient's needs. Choice A is incorrect because discussing intimate or personal values with patients can blur boundaries and shift the focus away from the patient. Choice B is incorrect because keeping secrets with or for a patient can lead to ethical dilemmas and compromise trust. Choice C is incorrect because expressing that you are the only one who truly understands the patient can create a power imbalance and hinder the therapeutic process.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who complains of back pain. Which question should the nurse ask to obtain specific information about the back pain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking "What do you think caused the back pain?" allows the patient to provide specific details about the onset and potential triggers of the pain, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on medication rather than gathering information. Choice B is too broad and may not directly address the back pain issue. Choice C is irrelevant to the immediate assessment of the back pain and does not provide specific information about the patient's current condition.
Question 9 of 9
A patient who has had a stroke is unable to speak clearly and has right sided hemiplegia. The nurse will design the approach to the assessment interview by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because speaking slowly and giving the patient time to respond allows the patient with speech difficulties due to the stroke to process information and formulate a response. Prompting or finishing sentences can hinder the patient's ability to communicate independently. Asking questions to the patient directly, rather than relying on a family member, ensures accurate information is obtained directly from the patient. Telling the patient that all information will come from the daughter undermines the patient's autonomy and may lead to incomplete or inaccurate information.