ATI RN
Communication in Nursing Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which describes characteristics of mutuality in the nurse3client relationship? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Collaboration. Mutuality in the nurse-client relationship involves working together as partners towards shared goals, with both parties contributing equally. Collaboration fosters empowerment, respect, and shared decision-making. Dependency (A) implies an unequal power dynamic, which is not characteristic of mutuality. Paternalism (C) involves a one-sided decision-making process, conflicting with the collaborative nature of mutuality. Acceptance of differences (D) is important but does not solely define mutuality. In summary, collaboration best reflects the principles of mutuality by emphasizing partnership, equality, and shared responsibility.
Question 2 of 9
A patient who has had a stroke is unable to speak clearly and has right sided hemiplegia. The nurse will design the approach to the assessment interview by:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because speaking slowly and giving the patient time to respond allows the patient with speech difficulties due to the stroke to process information and formulate a response. Prompting or finishing sentences can hinder the patient's ability to communicate independently. Asking questions to the patient directly, rather than relying on a family member, ensures accurate information is obtained directly from the patient. Telling the patient that all information will come from the daughter undermines the patient's autonomy and may lead to incomplete or inaccurate information.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse observes a nursing assistant interacting with an elderly patient. Which statement by the nursing assistant requires an immediate intervention by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because addressing an elderly patient as "Sweetie" is inappropriate and unprofessional. It can be perceived as demeaning and disrespectful. The nurse should intervene immediately to address this issue. Choices A, B, and C are all appropriate ways to interact with an elderly patient and promote their well-being. Choice A shows willingness to assist with orientation, choice B offers emotional support through spiritual means, and choice C encourages reminiscence therapy, which can be beneficial for cognitive function.
Question 4 of 9
A patient reports to the nurse, "My doctor is not doing anything about my pain." Which response by the nurse is assertive and expresses warmth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it acknowledges the patient's feelings without judgment and expresses empathy. The nurse reflects the patient's emotions by stating, "You seem frustrated with your doctor," showing understanding. Option A is dismissive, suggesting the patient change doctors. Option B assumes the patient's feelings and could come off as confrontational. Option C is accusatory and could make the patient defensive. Overall, option D is assertive, warm, and empathetic, making it the best response in this situation.
Question 5 of 9
A Hispanic patient approaches the Asian nurse and, standing very close, touches the nurse's shoulder during their conversation. The nurse begins to step back to 18 to 24 inches, while smiling and nodding to the patient. This situation is most likely an example of:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: a difference in culturally learned personal space of the nurse and the patient. This is because different cultures have varying norms regarding personal space. In this scenario, the Hispanic patient touching the Asian nurse's shoulder and standing very close suggests a cultural difference in personal space expectations. The nurse stepping back to establish a distance of 18 to 24 inches is a respectful response to accommodate the patient's cultural norm. It demonstrates cultural competence and understanding. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: the nurse's need to maintain a professional role rather than a social role - This choice does not address the cultural aspect of personal space and assumes the nurse's response is solely professional. B: a patient's attempt to keep the nurse's attention - This choice does not consider the cultural factor influencing the patient's behavior. C: a nurse's need to establish a more appropriate location for conversation - This choice does not acknowledge the cultural difference in personal space as the primary reason for the nurse
Question 6 of 9
When a patient states, "My son hasn't been to see me in months," the nurse's best verbal response is:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B Rationale: 1. Reflective listening: Restating the patient's statement shows empathy and understanding. 2. Open-ended question: Encourages patient to share more without assumptions. 3. Non-judgmental: Neutral tone promotes trust and openness. 4. Validates patient's feelings: Acknowledges patient's concerns without dismissing them. Summary: A: Provides false reassurance, does not address the patient's feelings. C: Shifts focus to the nurse, not patient-centered. D: Implies judgment, may shut down communication.
Question 7 of 9
The nurse caring for a patient who is concerned about her 10-pound weight loss relative to her chemotherapy tells the patient, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining." The nurse's statement is an example of which type of communication block?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Using clichés. The nurse's statement, "Lucky you! Every cloud has a silver lining," is a cliché that minimizes the patient's concerns about her weight loss and chemotherapy. Clichés are overused phrases that lack originality and can be dismissive or unhelpful in communication. In this case, the nurse's response does not address the patient's emotional or physical needs and fails to provide meaningful support. Incorrect choices: A: Defensive response - This choice involves reacting defensively to the patient's concerns, which is not demonstrated in the nurse's statement. B: Asking probing questions - This choice involves seeking further information from the patient, which is not reflected in the nurse's cliché response. D: Changing the subject - This choice involves diverting the conversation away from the patient's concerns, which is not explicitly done in the given scenario.
Question 8 of 9
A female nurse discusses a concern related to client care with a male physician. Which communication strategy, if used by the nurse, is most effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, using a direct approach with succinct sentences. This strategy is most effective as it conveys the nurse's concern clearly and efficiently, facilitating better understanding and communication with the physician. Being direct helps to address the issue promptly and allows for a more focused discussion. Choice A, assuming a subservient role, is incorrect as it may lead to a power imbalance and hinder effective communication. Choice C, asking questions instead of making recommendations, could be less effective in conveying the urgency or importance of the concern. Choice D, being polite and expecting politeness, is important but not sufficient for effective communication in this context.
Question 9 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.