ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
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 2 of 5
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 3 of 5
Mr. N (non-Hodgkin lymphoma) reports noticing some transient numbness and tingling in his lower legs with occasional mild burning type pain. What is the nurse most likely to do first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Assess for possible chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. This is the most appropriate action as Mr. N's symptoms of numbness, tingling, and burning pain in his lower legs are common signs of peripheral neuropathy, a side effect of chemotherapy. By assessing for this potential complication first, the nurse can determine if Mr. N's symptoms are related to his cancer treatment and initiate appropriate interventions. Choice A is incorrect as venous thromboembolism typically presents with different symptoms such as swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected limb. Choice B is also incorrect as peripheral arterial insufficiency would present with symptoms like coolness, pallor, and weak pulses in the affected limb. Choice C is not the most appropriate action at this time as it does not address the potential underlying cause of Mr. N's symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
A patient asks the nurse to make a decision for her about whether or not to continue taking hormone replacement therapy (estrogen). Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it supports patient autonomy and informed decision-making. As a nurse, it is essential to empower patients to make their own healthcare decisions. By offering to answer questions and providing information, the nurse encourages the patient to take an active role in their treatment plan. This approach respects the patient's right to choose and promotes shared decision-making. Choice A is incorrect as it deflects responsibility and does not encourage the patient to be involved in the decision-making process. Choice B is irrelevant as personal anecdotes are not a reliable basis for medical decisions. Choice D is incorrect as it promotes personal preference over evidence-based practice. Ultimately, choice C aligns with ethical principles of patient-centered care and respects the patient's autonomy.
Question 5 of 5
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.