ATI RN
Communication Skills in Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which characteristic would the nurse use to define culture? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: Culture is defined as learned and shared lifeways of a particular group. This encompasses traditions, customs, beliefs, and practices. Step 2: This definition aligns with the concept of culture as a dynamic and evolving entity shaped by societal influences. Step 3: Social identity influenced by language and religion (B) is a component of culture, but not an all-encompassing definition. Step 4: Belief in the superiority of one's own ethnic group (C) is a cultural bias and does not define culture as a whole. Step 5: Values influencing thinking and actions (D) are important aspects of culture but do not fully encapsulate the complexity of cultural identity.
Question 2 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 3 of 9
While admitting a patient to the medical unit, the nurse should take which action?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because developing a plan of care and measurable objectives with the patient promotes patient-centered care, collaboration, and shared decision-making. It ensures that the patient's preferences and needs are considered, leading to better outcomes. A: Demonstrating human caring by hugging the patient may be inappropriate due to professional boundaries and individual comfort levels. B: Disclosing shared intimate details with other healthcare providers violates patient confidentiality and privacy. C: Maintaining a physical distance is important for infection control but does not address the holistic care needs of the patient.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of lung cancer. The nurse states, "If I were you, I would have radiation therapy." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Giving advice. In this scenario, the nurse is directly advising the patient on a course of action without fully understanding the patient's individual needs or preferences. Giving advice can hinder effective communication as it may come across as imposing one's own opinions onto the patient. In this case, the nurse should focus on empathetic listening and supporting the patient in making their own informed decisions. Incorrect choices: A: Inattentive listening - This refers to not paying attention to the patient, which is not demonstrated in the scenario. C: Using clichés - Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality, which is not the issue in the nurse's statement. D: Defensive response - This involves reacting defensively to criticism or feedback, which is not applicable to the nurse's advice-giving behavior in this scenario.
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
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.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse says to a patient, "I am going to take your TPR, and then I'll check to see whether you can have a PRN analgesic." In considering factors that affect communication, the nurse has:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - The nurse has used medical jargon, which might not be understood by the patient. Rationale: 1. "TPR" and "PRN" are medical abbreviations that may not be familiar to the patient. 2. Using medical jargon can lead to confusion and miscommunication. 3. Effective communication in healthcare requires using language that the patient can easily understand. 4. It is important for the nurse to ensure clear and concise communication to promote patient understanding and cooperation. Summary of other choices: A: This choice is incorrect because using terminology that the patient may not understand does not constitute clear communication. B: This choice is incorrect because providing relevant information, even if technical, is not unnecessary if it aids in patient understanding. D: This choice is incorrect because simply stating what is happening without ensuring understanding does not address the issue of effective communication.
Question 8 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 9 of 9
The nurse cares for a patient who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and does not consistently follow the dietary restrictions and exercise recommendations. The patient takes a daily oral hypoglycemic agent as prescribed. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it focuses on encouraging the patient to engage in physical activity, which is important in managing type 2 diabetes. Walking a few blocks every other day can help improve blood sugar control. Choice A is incorrect because while taking medication is important, it is not the only aspect of managing diabetes. Choice C is inappropriate as it is judgmental and can damage the nurse-patient relationship. Choice D is incorrect as it is defeatist and does not promote positive behavior change.