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
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 3 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 4 of 9
The nurse can best ensure that communication is understood by:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: obtaining feedback from the patient that indicates accurate comprehension. This is the best way to ensure effective communication because it directly involves the patient in the communication process, allowing for clarification if needed. By receiving feedback from the patient, the nurse can confirm whether the information has been understood correctly. This approach promotes active listening and engagement from the patient, enhancing the likelihood of accurate communication. Incorrect choices: A: Speaking slowly and clearly in the patient's native language may help, but it does not guarantee comprehension. B: Asking family members may not accurately reflect the patient's understanding and could lead to miscommunication. D: Checking for signs of hearing loss or aphasia is important, but it does not directly assess the patient's understanding of the communication.
Question 5 of 9
When interacting with an older adult patient, the nurse would enhance communication by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because speaking slowly allows the older adult patient to process the message at their own pace, considering potential hearing or cognitive impairments. Speaking slowly also shows respect and patience. Option B is incorrect because using the first name may not be culturally appropriate or may not align with the patient's preference for formality. Option C is incorrect because standing in the doorway may be seen as disrespectful and inhibit effective communication by creating physical barriers. Option D is incorrect because speaking in simple sentences is important, but speaking as if to a child may be patronizing and disrespectful to the older adult patient.
Question 6 of 9
Ms. G (breast lumpectomy) continues to be anxious and tearful, and she says that she has changed her mind about the surgery, saying, "I'm going to go home. I just can't deal with everything that is going on right now. I need some time to think about things." What is the best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges Ms. G's autonomy and respects her right to make decisions about her own body. By validating her feelings and choices, it helps build trust and rapport. Choice B is incorrect as it disregards Ms. G's emotional state and can come off as dismissive. Choice C assumes Ms. G needs immediate medical intervention without exploring her concerns further. Choice D, although showing empathy, does not directly address Ms. G's decision to change her mind about the surgery.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse cares for a young adult patient in the emergency room after a sexual assault. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because actively listening to the patient express feelings related to the sexual assault is crucial for providing emotional support and establishing trust. This action demonstrates empathy and validates the patient's experience. It allows the patient to process their emotions and facilitates a therapeutic relationship. Avoiding decision-making situations (A) is inappropriate as it disregards the patient's autonomy. Suggesting joining a support group (B) may be helpful but should not be the immediate priority over addressing the patient's current emotional needs. Providing detailed information about evidence collection and procedures (D) is important but should come after addressing the patient's emotional well-being.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who does not follow dietary recommendations for treatment of heart failure. Which statement, if made by the nurse, demonstrates respect for the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it demonstrates empathy and respect for the client's autonomy. By stating "I care about you even if you are not following your dietary restrictions," the nurse acknowledges the client's choice while still showing concern for their well-being. This response fosters a supportive and non-judgmental relationship with the client. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they either show indifference, use coercion, or imply a comparison between patients based on their dietary choices. These responses do not prioritize the client's feelings, choices, or autonomy, which is essential in providing patient-centered care.