ATI RN
Communication in Nursing 8th Edition Test Bank Questions
Question 1 of 9
Which patient would most likely be uncomfortable with close personal space during an interaction with the nurse?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because cultural background and individual preferences influence personal space comfort. In this case, the 19-year-old white female patient standing only 2 feet away may feel uncomfortable with close personal space. Different cultures and age groups have varying norms regarding personal space. The other choices are less likely to be uncomfortable based on cultural norms and distance from the nurse. The 40-year-old African-American male patient sitting next to the nurse, the 60-year-old Latin-American female patient seated across, and the 82-year-old patient from France lying in bed with the nurse sitting next to them are all at a comfortable distance, thus less likely to be uncomfortable with personal space.
Question 2 of 9
Which facial feature, if displayed by the nurse, best conveys warmth?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because relaxed muscles and a concerned expression convey warmth. Relaxed muscles suggest a sense of ease and approachability, while a concerned expression shows empathy and care. Small pupils and a fixed gaze (A) can indicate tension or distance. Furrowed brow and a wrinkled forehead (B) often signify stress or frustration. Pursed lips and a forced smile (C) may come across as insincere. Overall, D best conveys warmth through a combination of physical relaxation and emotional concern.
Question 3 of 9
The nurse provides care for a male patient. When the nurse addresses the patient, which would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it respects the patient's autonomy and preferences. By asking how the patient prefers to be addressed, the nurse demonstrates respect for the patient's individuality and dignity. This approach promotes a patient-centered care environment. A: Using both first and last names with each encounter may come off as overly formal and impersonal. C: Calling the patient by his first name without consent may be perceived as disrespectful and too informal. D: Addressing the patient by his last name may be too formal and distant, not fostering a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.
Question 4 of 9
The nurse cares for an adult client who is diagnosed with active tuberculosis. Which action, if performed by the nurse during introductions, shows respect for the client? (Select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Maintaining eye contact by looking at the client during introductions shows respect by acknowledging the client as an individual and demonstrating active listening. This helps establish trust and rapport. Incorrect choices: B: Avoiding touch may be necessary for infection control, but it does not necessarily show respect for the client. C: Staying 4 to 6 feet away may be necessary for infection control, but it does not demonstrate respect or engagement with the client. D: Briefly conversing about the weather is a social nicety but may not convey the same level of respect and attentiveness as making eye contact.
Question 5 of 9
The nurse recognizes a verbal response when the patient:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Verbal communication involves words, either written or spoken. 2. Choice B states that the patient writes the answer to a question asked by the nurse, which involves using words. 3. Therefore, choice B correctly represents verbal communication. 4. Choices A, C, and D involve nonverbal communication methods such as nodding, sobbing, and moaning, which do not involve words.
Question 6 of 9
The nurse cares for a young adult patient in the emergency room after a sexual assault. Which action by the nurse is appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because actively listening to the patient express their feelings related to the sexual assault is essential for providing emotional support and validating their experience. This action shows empathy and helps the patient feel heard and supported. It also allows the nurse to assess the patient's emotional well-being and provide appropriate care. Avoiding decision-making situations (A) may lead to further distress for the patient. While joining a support group (B) can be beneficial, it may not be appropriate or feasible immediately after a traumatic event. Providing detailed information about evidence collection (D) is important but should be done after addressing the patient's emotional needs.
Question 7 of 9
A nurse manager asks a colleague for advice on strategies to improve communication with staff nurses. Which response by the nurse manager's colleague is best?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it emphasizes essential components of effective communication: sensitivity, respect, and genuineness. Sensitivity helps in understanding others' emotions, respect fosters a positive relationship, and genuineness promotes trust. Choice B is too simplistic and lacks depth. Choice C is impractical as working as a staff nurse monthly may not be feasible for a manager. Choice D is incorrect as emotional intelligence and empathy are crucial for effective leadership, not being emotionless. Thus, choice A is the best response due to its focus on key communication principles.
Question 8 of 9
A patient tells the nurse that she dislikes the food that is served in the hospital. The nurse responds, "Our cooks work very hard; the food that is served is very good." The nurse's response is an example of the communication block of:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: defensive response. The nurse's response deflects the patient's complaint about the food quality by defending the cooks' efforts instead of addressing the patient's concerns. This can create a barrier to effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings and not acknowledging their perspective. A: Judgmental response involves criticizing or making assumptions about the patient, which is not evident in the nurse's reply. B: Giving advice would involve offering suggestions on how to improve the situation, which the nurse did not do. D: Using clichés would involve using overused phrases that may not directly relate to the patient's concern, which is not the case in this scenario. In summary, the nurse's defensive response fails to address the patient's complaint and can hinder effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings.
Question 9 of 9
Which assessment finding for Mr. L (tracheostomy and partial laryngectomy) would be of greatest concern?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because pulsation of the tracheostomy tube in synchrony with the heartbeat indicates a potential risk of arterial bleeding, a serious complication that requires immediate intervention. This finding suggests that there may be a nearby major blood vessel that is pulsating due to arterial bleed. Immediate action is needed to prevent further bleeding and ensure patient safety. Choice B is incorrect because increased secretions in and around the tracheostomy, while concerning, do not represent an immediate life-threatening situation like arterial bleeding. Choice C is incorrect as increased coughing with difficulty in expectorating secretions could be indicative of respiratory issues but is not as urgent as arterial bleeding. Choice D is incorrect as the presence of food particles in tracheal secretions may indicate aspiration or improper swallowing, but it is not as immediately life-threatening as arterial bleeding.