ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
When communicating with a preschooler, the nurse should:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step 1: Preschoolers have limited vocabulary and understanding, so using familiar words is essential. Step 2: Simple, short sentences are easier for preschoolers to comprehend. Step 3: Concrete explanations help preschoolers grasp concepts better. Step 4: Considering developmental level ensures effective communication. Summary: A, B, and C are incorrect as they go against the principles of effective communication with preschoolers.
Question 2 of 9
When the nurse enters the room, the patient is laughing out loud at something on TV. The patient stops and apologizes for the laughter, saying, "I guess I ought not be laughing at all since I am stuck here with two broken legs." The nurse can use evidence-based information when she responds:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer D: - Laughter has been shown to have a positive impact on the immune system through various studies. - Laughter can trigger the release of endorphins and reduce stress hormones, promoting a sense of well-being. - This response is evidence-based as it aligns with research supporting the benefits of laughter for overall health. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Incorrect, as laughter is not always a cover-up for anxiety; it can also be a natural response to humor or joy. B: Incorrect, as there is no evidence to suggest that laughter decreases oxygen available for healing. C: Incorrect, as the impact of laughter on other patients is not relevant to the benefits it can have on the individual's health.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse is alert to avoid using blocks to effective communication that include: (Select all that apply.)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: changing the subject. This is because changing the subject can disrupt the flow of communication and hinder understanding. By abruptly shifting the focus away from the current topic, the nurse may miss important information or fail to address the patient's concerns. Nonjudgmental remarks (B) are encouraged to foster open communication. Giving advice (C) and asking probing questions (D) can be effective communication tools when used appropriately, but they may not necessarily block effective communication if done in a respectful and empathetic manner.
Question 4 of 9
According to Swanson's theory, there are five caring processes, one of which is "being with." Which of the responses by the nurse portrays an understanding of the concept of "being with" a client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because "being with" in Swanson's theory refers to the nurse being emotionally present and fully engaged with the client. This involves active listening, empathy, and creating a supportive and therapeutic relationship. Charting in the room (A) does not demonstrate being present with the client. Wearing a locator badge (B) is more about accessibility than emotional presence. Requesting one-on-one staffing (C) may provide more time, but it doesn't guarantee emotional connection. In summary, choice D best reflects the concept of "being with" as it focuses on the nurse's emotional presence and attentiveness to the client's needs.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has metastatic cancer. Which action(s) by the nurse conveys warmth? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Showing interest by occasional head nodding conveys warmth as it demonstrates active listening and engagement with the patient. This non-verbal cue can make the patient feel heard and understood. Choice A is incorrect as avoiding distracting actions like hand gestures may come off as cold or disinterested. Choice C leaning forward at a 45-degree angle can be perceived as invading the patient's personal space rather than conveying warmth. Choice D, placing arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting, can be interpreted as defensive or closed-off, which does not communicate warmth to the patient.
Question 6 of 9
One study of Italian primary care physicians caring for diabetic patients showed that those scoring highest on the empathy test had patients with:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Empathy in healthcare has been linked to better patient outcomes due to improved communication and trust. Step 2: Physicians with high empathy are likely to provide better support and guidance to diabetic patients. Step 3: This support can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle changes. Step 4: Improved adherence can result in significantly fewer acute diabetic complications. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Summary: Choice A is correct because empathy improves patient care and adherence, leading to better outcomes. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not align with the positive impact of empathy on patient outcomes.
Question 7 of 9
It would be most important for the nurse to temporarily withdraw expressions of warmth to which patient?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 56-year-old patient with a history of violent behavior poses a potential risk to the nurse's safety. Temporarily withdrawing expressions of warmth can help establish boundaries and ensure the nurse's safety. Choices A, B, and C involve patients who may benefit from expressions of warmth to build rapport and trust, thus making them incorrect in this scenario.
Question 8 of 9
An experienced nurse is supervising a student nurse in an acute care setting. Which statement, if made by the experienced nurse, would be most appropriate to help the student nurse establish credibility with other nurses on the unit?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "Be honest with the nurses about your strengths and about areas that need improvement." This statement is the most appropriate because it emphasizes the importance of being transparent and authentic in one's interactions. By acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement, the student nurse shows humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn. This approach fosters trust and respect from other nurses, as it demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional growth. Option A is incorrect because it discourages the student nurse by implying that credibility is unattainable due to lack of experience. Option B is incorrect as it suggests hiding feelings of inadequacy, which can lead to inauthenticity and hinder genuine connections with colleagues. Option D is incorrect as it promotes a superficial and transactional approach to building relationships, rather than focusing on genuine communication and mutual respect.
Question 9 of 9
The nurse plans to use self-disclosure to aid a mother and father in the grieving process after the death of their child. The steps of a helpful self-disclosure appear below. What is the first step?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Listen to the parents talk about their child and observe their movements and gestures. This is the first step in using self-disclosure effectively to aid in the grieving process. By actively listening to the parents talk about their child and observing their non-verbal cues, the nurse can gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences. This step helps build rapport and trust, showing empathy and validation for the parents' feelings. The other choices are incorrect: A: Succinctly share a personal experience that is a similar grieving experience - This step should come after listening to the parents and understanding their situation. C: Reflect upon the parent's statements to communicate understanding - Reflecting on the parents' statements is important, but it is not the initial step in the self-disclosure process. D: Seek verification that the self-disclosure was helpful to the child's parents - Seeking verification should come later in the process, after the self-disclosure has been made and its impact assessed.