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 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
The nurse cares for a patient with a terminal illness. Which way would be the most therapeutic for the nurse to communicate with this patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Demonstrate understanding with empathy. This approach is the most therapeutic as it shows the nurse's genuine care and support for the patient, fostering a sense of trust and emotional connection. By empathizing, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and provides comfort without judgment. A: Using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Acknowledging hope by expressions of sympathy is important but may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs. D: Consistently evaluating the patient's feelings is important, but without demonstrating empathy, it may come across as clinical and detached. In summary, choice B is the best approach as it prioritizes empathy and understanding, essential components in providing effective therapeutic communication.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
A young mother who fractured her leg is sobbing with her face hidden behind her hands. She says to the nurse, "I will not be able to work for at least 2 months. Without my job, I cannot pay my bills or take care of my baby. I am alone and do not have anyone to help me.= Which response by the nurse accurately conveys empathy?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it reflects active listening and understanding the mother's concerns without making assumptions or judgments. The nurse accurately acknowledges the mother's worries about taking care of herself and her baby, showing empathy and validation. Choice A assumes the mother feels uncared for, choice B presumes low self-esteem, and choice D focuses on discomfort with asking for help rather than addressing the mother's specific concerns. Hence, choice C is the most empathetic and appropriate response in this scenario.
Question 6 of 9
Which demonstrates the nurse's genuine concern for clients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informing the patient about a medication error and symptoms to report shows transparency, honesty, and prioritizes patient safety. This action also promotes trust in the nurse-patient relationship. A: Choice A is incorrect because falsely reassuring a terminally ill patient does not demonstrate genuine concern and lacks honesty. B: Choice B is incorrect because delaying important information about the death of a dependent child is unethical and can cause unnecessary distress to the patient. C: Choice C is incorrect because providing a placebo without informed consent violates ethical principles and does not prioritize the patient's well-being.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse makes a home visit to a client with chronic kidney disease. The client asks the nurse to make the decision about whether or not to start dialysis. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse should respect the client's autonomy and involve them in decision-making. Step 2: By inviting the client to make a decision after reviewing options, the nurse promotes client-centered care. Step 3: This approach empowers the client to participate actively in their healthcare decisions. Step 4: It aligns with ethical principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence. Summary: Choice B is correct as it respects the client's autonomy and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is not appropriate as it bypasses the client's involvement. Choice C is not ideal as the client should be actively involved. Choice D may provide information but doesn't involve the client in decision-making.
Question 8 of 9
A nurse openly and genuinely discusses thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections with a group of college students. Which benefit(s) may occur for these college students? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because openly discussing thoughts and feelings about sexually transmitted infections can help build trust between the nurse and college students. This trust can lead to the students feeling more comfortable seeking information and support from the nurse. Choice A is incorrect because open communication typically fosters ongoing discussions, not reluctance. Choice C is incorrect because open discussions can enhance credibility by showing transparency and expertise. Choice D is incorrect because open dialogue does not guarantee the accuracy of information, but it can facilitate a more informed discussion.
Question 9 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.