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 cares for a female patient who is trying to gain understanding of her life and her diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Which approach by the nurse would best meet this patient's needs?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because actively listening to the patient's stories about her past experiences allows for emotional expression, validation, and building trust. It promotes therapeutic communication and helps the patient gain understanding and cope with her diagnosis. Choice A focuses on group support, which may not address the patient's individual needs. Choice B is not appropriate as it may induce unnecessary fear. Choice C assumes the patient has specific spiritual beliefs and may not be welcomed.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse sees that Mr. B (bladder cancer) has received docusate for the past 2 days. Which question is the nurse most likely to ask to evaluate the effectiveness of the docusate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Docusate is a stool softener commonly used to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid pain medications. By asking if the patient had a bowel movement today or yesterday, the nurse can evaluate the effectiveness of docusate in facilitating bowel movements. This question directly assesses the expected outcome of the medication. A: "Are you experiencing any burning with urination?" - This question is more relevant to urinary tract infections, not related to docusate use for constipation. C: "Has the medication helped to relieve the nausea?" - Docusate is not typically used to relieve nausea, so this question is not relevant to evaluating its effectiveness. D: "Were you able to sleep soundly the last couple of nights?" - This question is not directly related to the expected outcome of docusate in treating constipation.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
Which demonstrates the nurse's genuine concern for clients?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because informing the patient about a medication error and symptoms to report shows transparency, honesty, and prioritizes patient safety. This action also promotes trust in the nurse-patient relationship. A: Choice A is incorrect because falsely reassuring a terminally ill patient does not demonstrate genuine concern and lacks honesty. B: Choice B is incorrect because delaying important information about the death of a dependent child is unethical and can cause unnecessary distress to the patient. C: Choice C is incorrect because providing a placebo without informed consent violates ethical principles and does not prioritize the patient's well-being.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse provides care to a client from Nigeria who is visiting the United States. Which should the nurse use to communicate with this client?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because conducting a cultural assessment allows the nurse to understand the client's individual health beliefs and behaviors. This approach promotes culturally competent care by tailoring interventions to the client's specific needs. Option A is incorrect as it assumes all Nigerians have the same health beliefs. Option C is not necessary as the nurse can directly assess the client. Option D does not consider the importance of cultural competence in communication. Conducting a cultural assessment ensures effective communication and respectful care.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse cares for a client who is scheduled for a breast biopsy. Which is the main purpose of the client–nurse relationship?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To assist the client in achieving and maintaining optimal health. The main purpose of the client-nurse relationship is to promote the client's health and well-being. The nurse's role is to support the client in achieving their health goals and maintaining good health. This goes beyond just providing care during a specific procedure like a breast biopsy. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because while they may be components of the client-nurse relationship, they do not encompass the main purpose of promoting optimal health.
Question 8 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.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse preceptor is assigned to help several graduate nurses assess their ability to convey warmth to patients. Which activity, if selected by the nurse preceptor, is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because setting up sessions for the graduate nurses to practice various nonverbal gestures allows for active skill development. By practicing these gestures, they can receive immediate feedback from the preceptor and improve their ability to convey warmth effectively. Choice B is incorrect because simply observing behaviors of experienced nurses may not actively engage the graduate nurses in practicing and developing their own skills. Choice C is incorrect because providing a list of nonverbal behaviors may not be as effective as hands-on practice in improving the graduate nurses' ability to convey warmth. Choice D is incorrect because having the graduate nurses evaluate each other during simulated interviews may not provide structured guidance and feedback from the preceptor to help them improve their nonverbal communication skills effectively.