ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which assessment finding is the most critical and needs to be addressed first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because tracheal deviation after a pulmonary resection indicates a life-threatening condition like tension pneumothorax. This condition requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory distress and potential cardiovascular collapse. Tracheal deviation is a red flag sign that signals a medical emergency. Options B, C, and D are important but not as urgent as tracheal deviation. Decreased urinary output in a bladder cancer patient could indicate renal dysfunction, dysrhythmias in a patient with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may need further evaluation, and severe abdominal pain post-bowel resection could signal complications but are not as immediately life-threatening as tracheal deviation.
Question 2 of 9
The nurse has implemented a plan to improve expression of warmth to other nurses. It is most important for the nurse to include which evaluation method?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because self-monitoring interactions with colleagues allows for personal reflection and assessment of warmth expression. This method promotes self-awareness and self-improvement. Asking patients (B) is not relevant for evaluating interactions among nurses. Inviting a supervisor (C) may introduce bias and may not accurately reflect warmth expression. Seeking nominations for an award (D) focuses on recognition rather than genuine improvement. Therefore, A is the most suitable method for evaluating the nurse's plan.
Question 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 of 9
The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assertive, responsible, and caring communication. Rationale: 1. Assertive communication is important to clearly express expectations and boundaries. 2. Being responsible conveys accountability and encourages the patient to take ownership of their care. 3. Caring communication fosters trust and empathy, crucial for building a therapeutic relationship. Summary: A: Authoritative communication may come across as controlling and may not promote patient cooperation. C: Aggressive communication can be intimidating and may lead to resistance rather than cooperation. D: Positive communication is beneficial, but being an expert alone may not address the patient's underlying issues or barriers to self-care.
Question 7 of 9
A patient is irritable and complains to the nurse about difficulty sleeping last night. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct response is B. Asking the patient to elaborate on what happened last night allows the nurse to gather more information about the situation, which is crucial for assessing the patient's sleep difficulties accurately. It shows active listening and empathy, building rapport and trust with the patient. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not address the patient's concerns effectively or gather relevant information to provide appropriate care. Option A makes an assumption without understanding the root cause of the sleep issue. Option C assumes the cause of sleep difficulty without exploring further. Option D dismisses the patient's concerns without providing support or understanding.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who complains of back pain. Which question should the nurse ask to obtain specific information about the back pain?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because asking "What do you think caused the back pain?" allows the patient to provide specific details about the onset and potential triggers of the pain, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on medication rather than gathering information. Choice B is too broad and may not directly address the back pain issue. Choice C is irrelevant to the immediate assessment of the back pain and does not provide specific information about the patient's current condition.
Question 9 of 9
Ms. C (bowel resection and colostomy) is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory test will the nurse check to see if the medication should be discontinued?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hemoglobin. Epoetin alfa is a medication that stimulates red blood cell production. Monitoring hemoglobin levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the medication. If hemoglobin levels rise too high, it can lead to complications like blood clots. Checking hemoglobin levels helps determine if the dose of epoetin alfa should be adjusted or discontinued. Summary: B: White cell count - Monitoring white cell count is not directly related to epoetin alfa therapy. C: Potassium level - Monitoring potassium level is important for other medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors, not specifically for epoetin alfa. D: Blood glucose level - Monitoring blood glucose level is important for diabetic patients but not directly related to epoetin alfa therapy.