ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
When a patient begins crying during a conversation with the nurse about the patient's upcoming surgery for possible malignancy, the nurse's most therapeutic response would be:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. This response acknowledges the patient's emotions, offers support, and provides an opportunity for the patient to express their feelings. Offering a tissue shows empathy and readiness to listen. Sitting with the patient shows availability and willingness to engage further. This response validates the patient's emotions and fosters a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Choice A is incorrect because it dismisses the patient's emotions and focuses on the surgeon rather than the patient. Choice B is incorrect as it ignores the patient's emotional distress and focuses on a non-essential issue. Choice C is incorrect as it invalidates the patient's feelings and suggests avoidance rather than addressing the emotions directly.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assertive, responsible, and caring communication. Rationale: 1. Assertive communication is important to clearly express expectations and boundaries. 2. Being responsible conveys accountability and encourages the patient to take ownership of their care. 3. Caring communication fosters trust and empathy, crucial for building a therapeutic relationship. Summary: A: Authoritative communication may come across as controlling and may not promote patient cooperation. C: Aggressive communication can be intimidating and may lead to resistance rather than cooperation. D: Positive communication is beneficial, but being an expert alone may not address the patient's underlying issues or barriers to self-care.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse discusses smoking cessation with a client. Which action, if taken by the nurse, would most likely result in a behavior change?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: The nurse should collaborate with the client to develop an individualized plan of action. This is the most likely action to result in a behavior change because it involves actively involving the client in the process, taking into account their unique needs, preferences, and circumstances. By collaborating with the client, the nurse can tailor the smoking cessation plan to be more personalized and therefore more effective. Choice A (contact the national telephone quitline) may be helpful but lacks individualization. Choice B (recommend nicotine replacement and behavioral interventions) is a good approach but may not address the client's specific needs. Choice D (implement a strategy validated by research) is important but may not be as effective if it does not consider the client's individual factors. Overall, choice C is the best option as it promotes client engagement and customization for a higher chance of successful behavior change.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
The nurse has implemented a plan to improve expression of warmth to other nurses. It is most important for the nurse to include which evaluation method?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because self-monitoring interactions with colleagues allows for personal reflection and assessment of warmth expression. This method promotes self-awareness and self-improvement. Asking patients (B) is not relevant for evaluating interactions among nurses. Inviting a supervisor (C) may introduce bias and may not accurately reflect warmth expression. Seeking nominations for an award (D) focuses on recognition rather than genuine improvement. Therefore, A is the most suitable method for evaluating the nurse's plan.
Question 6 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 7 of 9
Let me know how you're doing and whether you need any help."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides clear instructions to take vital signs on all patients in the lounge and report any problems. This ensures comprehensive assessment and communication. Choice A is incorrect because it lacks specificity and may lead to overlooking important tasks. Choice C and D are incorrect as they are blank. Providing clear and concise directions is crucial in delegation to ensure tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
The nurse cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.