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 states, "I'm so worried that I might have cancer." The nurse responds, "It is time for you to eat breakfast." The nurse's response is an example of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: changing the subject. The nurse's response shifts the conversation away from the patient's expression of worry about having cancer to a completely unrelated topic - eating breakfast. This technique blocks effective communication as it disregards the patient's concerns and prevents further exploration of the underlying issue. By redirecting the conversation, the nurse fails to address the patient's emotional needs and misses an opportunity to provide support and reassurance. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the nurse's response in this scenario.
Question 3 of 9
The home health nurse visits a client with heart failure who has increased dyspnea and peripheral edema and weight gain. The nurse suspects the client is not restricting fluids as prescribed. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most appropriate action for the nurse is to ask the client to report the amount of fluid intake for the past 24 hours. This is the correct answer because it directly addresses the issue of non-compliance with fluid restrictions. By assessing the actual fluid intake, the nurse can identify the extent of the problem and provide targeted interventions. Option A is not the best choice as teaching about consequences may not address the immediate issue. Option C does not address the root cause of the problem but only provides a temporary solution. Option D is not appropriate as increasing the diuretic dose should be done in collaboration with the healthcare provider after assessing the client's current condition.
Question 4 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 5 of 9
The home health nurse cares for a patient who is diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Which response(s) and behavior(s) by the nurse would indicate that bonding between nurse and patient has occurred? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because actively listening to the patient describe their feelings of anxiety related to severe dyspnea demonstrates empathy and a deeper connection between the nurse and patient. This behavior shows understanding and support, fostering trust and rapport. It indicates that the nurse is attentive to the patient's emotional needs, which is essential for effective care in chronic conditions like COPD. Option A is incorrect because expecting the patient to meet exercise goals set by the nurse does not necessarily indicate bonding. It may reflect a more authoritative approach rather than a collaborative relationship. Option C, while important for individualized education, does not specifically indicate bonding unless it involves understanding the patient's preferences on a personal level. Option D is incorrect because refraining from touching the patient may be necessary in some situations, but it does not directly relate to establishing a bond.
Question 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 of 9
The nursing supervisor instructs a group of novice nurses about the appropriate use of self-disclosure with patients. The nursing supervisor determines that teaching was successful if the novice nurse makes which statement?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Self-disclosure can be used to build a trusting relationship with the patient. This is because sharing personal information appropriately can help create a connection and foster trust between the nurse and the patient. By being open and genuine, nurses can demonstrate empathy and understanding, leading to better communication and rapport. Choice A is incorrect because while self-disclosure can help the patient understand the nurse, the primary goal is to build a therapeutic relationship. Choice B is incorrect because disclosing stories about others does not promote genuine connection and may not be relevant to the patient's care. Choice D is incorrect because fabricating personal experiences goes against the principles of honesty and authenticity in therapeutic communication.