ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
When an office nurse asks the patient to repeat information that he has just given to the patient over the telephone, the nurse is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the patient to repeat the information verifies their understanding. This is crucial in healthcare to ensure accurate communication and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on intelligence rather than comprehension. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is motivated by avoiding negligence rather than patient care. Choice D is incorrect as saving time should not compromise patient understanding.Verifying patient comprehension fosters effective communication and prevents errors.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse cares for the mother of a child who died in the emergency room as a result of an accidental poisoning. Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because accurately reflecting on the mother's feelings shows understanding and empathy, validating her emotions. This approach helps establish trust and connection, essential in providing emotional support. A: Placing greater emphasis on nonverbal aspects may not effectively convey empathy and understanding. C: Merely repeating exact phrases may come off as insincere and robotic, lacking genuine empathy. D: Reflecting on the mother's feelings using the nurse's own words may not accurately capture the depth of the mother's emotions and may lead to misinterpretation.
Question 3 of 9
Mr. U (pulmonary resection) has developed a tension pneumothorax. He is currently receiving high-flow oxygen via nonrebreather mask but continues to experience respiratory distress. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Perform a needle thoracotomy with a 14- to 16-gauge catheter needle. Rationale: 1. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency where air accumulates in the pleural space, causing lung collapse and increased pressure in the chest. 2. The standard treatment for tension pneumothorax is needle thoracostomy, which involves inserting a large-bore needle into the chest to release the trapped air. 3. In this scenario, Mr. U is in respiratory distress despite receiving high-flow oxygen, indicating a significant problem with ventilation that requires immediate intervention. 4. Performing a needle thoracotomy will rapidly decompress the tension pneumothorax, relieving pressure on the heart and lungs, and improving respiratory function. 5. This action takes precedence over other options such as removing the occlusive dressing, initiating CPR, or calling for intubation equipment, as immediate decompression is crucial in managing tension pneumoth
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient who is concerned about living alone. The best response by the nurse is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it shows empathy by asking for the patient's thoughts first, respecting their autonomy. It promotes open communication and understanding of the patient's concerns. Choice B may come off as judgmental or invasive. Choice C imposes the nurse's opinion on the patient, disregarding their feelings. Choice D is incomplete.
Question 5 of 9
The home care nurse visits a mother and her newborn 2 days after discharge from the hospital. The mother states, "My baby cries all the time. I must not be a very good mother.= Which response by the nurse is nontherapeutic?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it dismisses the mother's feelings and suggests a temporary distraction instead of addressing her concerns. Choice A validates the mother's feelings and promotes open communication. Choice B demonstrates empathy and physical support. Choice D encourages the mother to express her emotions further for better understanding. Overall, choice C is nontherapeutic as it does not address the underlying issue of the mother's feelings of inadequacy and instead offers a superficial solution.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse provides care for a male patient. When the nurse addresses the patient, which would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Ask the patient how he prefers to be addressed. This approach respects the patient's autonomy and personal preferences, promoting patient-centered care. By asking the patient directly, the nurse acknowledges the patient's individuality and ensures respectful communication. A: Using both first and last name with each encounter may come across as too formal or impersonal for some patients, potentially creating a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Calling the patient by his first name without consent may be perceived as too familiar or disrespectful by some patients, leading to discomfort or a lack of trust in the nurse. D: Addressing the patient by his last name may be too formal for some patients and can create a sense of distance or hierarchy in the nurse-patient relationship.
Question 7 of 9
When communicating with an adolescent, the nurse should be very sensitive to avoid:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because offering advice can come off as dismissive to adolescents who value autonomy and independence. Adolescents prefer to feel heard and understood rather than being told what to do. Providing unsolicited advice can hinder trust and communication. Asking embarrassing questions (A) can be inappropriate but can still be necessary for assessment. Interrupting frequently (C) disrupts the flow of communication. Using active listening (D) is important but does not directly relate to avoiding sensitive topics with adolescents.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse prepares to obtain a health history from a hospitalized patient. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respect the patient's privacy by closing the door. Closing the door ensures confidentiality and privacy during the health history interview. This step is crucial to maintain the patient's dignity and foster trust. Setting time limits (choice A) may compromise the quality of the assessment. Avoiding upsetting questions (choice B) may hinder the gathering of important information. Standing at the foot of the bed for eye contact (choice D) is not appropriate as it may seem confrontational and uncomfortable for the patient.
Question 9 of 9
Which statement, if made by the nurse, could positively affect the course of the patient's situation by suggestibility?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it focuses on the positive aspect of breastfeeding, which is bonding with the baby. This statement can positively influence the patient's attitude and motivation towards breastfeeding. Choice B is incorrect as it introduces a negative aspect of breastfeeding. Choice C is unrelated to the positive impact of breastfeeding. Choice D introduces fear and negativity, which can hinder the patient's confidence in breastfeeding.