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 home health nurse cares for a patient who is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which response(s) and behavior(s) by the nurse would indicate that bonding between nurse and patient has occurred? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because actively listening to the patient describe their feelings of anxiety related to severe dyspnea demonstrates empathy and a deeper connection between the nurse and patient. This behavior shows understanding and support, fostering trust and rapport. It indicates that the nurse is attentive to the patient's emotional needs, which is essential for effective care in chronic conditions like COPD. Option A is incorrect because expecting the patient to meet exercise goals set by the nurse does not necessarily indicate bonding. It may reflect a more authoritative approach rather than a collaborative relationship. Option C, while important for individualized education, does not specifically indicate bonding unless it involves understanding the patient's preferences on a personal level. Option D is incorrect because refraining from touching the patient may be necessary in some situations, but it does not directly relate to establishing a bond.
Question 3 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 4 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.
Question 5 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 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
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 8 of 9
According to the Workplace Bullying Institute, nurses are also exposed to this type of behavior within their professional environment. In teaching the possibility to an incoming graduate nurse, you know that the nurse understands when he or she includes which of the following as abusive conduct? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Threats. Threats are considered abusive conduct in the context of workplace bullying. Nurses may be subjected to threats that create a hostile work environment. Threats can instill fear and distress in the victim, affecting their well-being and performance. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Humiliation - While humiliation is a form of abuse, the question specifically asks about abusive conduct in the context of workplace bullying for nurses. C: Intimidation - Intimidation is another form of abusive behavior, but the question focuses on identifying abusive conduct in the workplace environment for nurses. D: Physical abuse - While physical abuse is a serious issue, the question pertains to identifying abusive conduct within the professional environment for nurses, where physical abuse may not be as common as other forms of bullying behavior.
Question 9 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.