NUR 2356 MDC 1 Exam 1 | Rasmussen University 2026/2027 Confidential
NUR 2356: Multidimensional Care I (MDC 1)
Exam 1 — Latest 2026/2027 Curriculum
Rasmussen University | College of Nursing
Section 1: Communication and Foundational Concepts (Q1–Q15)
Q1. A nursing student is preparing to communicate with a postoperative patient who is experiencing
significant pain. The student asks the instructor, 'What is the primary purpose of therapeutic communication
in this situation?' Which response by the instructor is most accurate?
A. To exchange information and meaning between the nurse and patient to promote understanding and healing
[CORRECT]
B. To persuade the patient to accept the recommended treatment plan without question
C. To document the patient's complaints accurately in the medical record for legal purposes
D. To redirect the patient's attention away from their pain using distraction techniques
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary purpose of communication is the exchange of information and meaning between people. In
therapeutic communication, verbal and nonverbal messages must match for effectiveness, and the goal is to promote
understanding and a trusting nurse-patient relationship. Persuading the patient (B) is non-therapeutic; documentation (C)
is important but not the primary purpose of communication; and distraction (D) is a specific intervention, not the
overarching purpose of communication itself.
Q2. A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the communication process. The nurse explains that
communication consists of four essential parts. The student correctly identifies which of the following as the
four parts of the communication process?
A. Sender, message, channel, and receiver [CORRECT]
B. Speaker, listener, interpreter, and responder
C. Encoder, decoder, transmitter, and feedback loop
D. Initiator, content, medium, and recipient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The four parts of the communication process are sender, message, channel, and receiver. The sender encodes
the message, which is transmitted through a channel to the receiver, who decodes it. This foundational model is central to
understanding both therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication in the Rasmussen NUR 2356 curriculum. While other
frameworks describe similar concepts, the standard four-part model uses these exact terms.
Q3. A nurse enters a patient's room to perform a preoperative assessment. The television is on loudly, the
patient appears anxious, and family members are having a conversation nearby. Which factor is most likely to
act as 'noise' interfering with nurse-patient communication?
A. All of the listed factors (TV volume, anxiety, family conversation) [CORRECT]
B. Only the television volume, since it is the only external distraction
Page 1
, C. Only the patient's anxiety, because internal factors are the strongest barriers
D. None of these, because the patient is awake and able to respond
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 'Noise' in the communication process refers to any factor that interferes with the accurate transmission and
reception of a message. Noise can be external (TV volume, family conversation, environmental distractions) or internal
(pain, anxiety, fatigue). In this scenario, all listed factors—the loud TV, the patient's anxiety, and the nearby family
conversation—act as barriers to effective communication. The Rasmussen curriculum emphasizes identifying and
minimizing all forms of noise to promote effective nurse-patient communication.
Q4. A nurse is caring for a patient who expresses concern about an upcoming surgery, stating, 'I just know
something terrible is going to happen.' Which response by the nurse is an example of a non-therapeutic
communication technique that should be avoided?
A. 'Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm sure you have nothing to be concerned about.' [CORRECT]
B. 'Can you tell me more about what specifically concerns you about the surgery?'
C. 'It sounds like you're feeling anxious about the procedure. Let's talk about what to expect.'
D. 'Many patients feel this way before surgery. Your surgical team is very experienced.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Providing false reassurance ('Don't worry, everything will be fine') is a non-therapeutic communication
technique that blocks further expression of the patient's feelings. The Rasmussen curriculum specifically identifies false
reassurance as a barrier to effective communication because it dismisses the patient's legitimate concerns. Options B and
C use therapeutic techniques (probing and reflecting), while D offers realistic reassurance based on the team's expertise
without making false promises about outcomes.
Q5. A nurse is caring for a patient from a different cultural background. The nurse assumes the patient will
not follow the prescribed medication regimen based on the nurse's previous experiences with patients from
the same cultural group. Which communication barrier is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Stereotyping [CORRECT]
B. Therapeutic use of self
C. Active listening
D. Clarification
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stereotyping occurs when a nurse makes assumptions about an individual based on group characteristics
rather than treating the patient as a unique person. This is a significant communication barrier identified in the Rasmussen
NUR 2356 curriculum. Stereotyping prevents individualized care and can damage the therapeutic relationship.
Therapeutic use of self, active listening, and clarification are all therapeutic communication techniques, not barriers.
Q6. A patient states, 'I'm not sure I understand what the doctor told me about my new medication.' Which
therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use first?
A. Clarification [CORRECT]
B. Restating
C. Summarization
D. Confrontation
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Clarification is the therapeutic communication technique used when the nurse needs to help the patient express
their thoughts more clearly or when the nurse needs to better understand the patient's message. In this scenario, the patient
has indicated confusion about medication instructions, so the nurse should use clarification to explore what specifically is
unclear. Probing and clarification encourage information sharing and are foundational techniques in the Rasmussen NUR
2356 communication module. Restating (B) repeats the patient's message, summarization (C) is used at the end of a
conversation, and confrontation (D) addresses discrepancies.
Q7. A nurse is providing care to an anxious patient who says, 'I heard that the medication you're giving me
has terrible side effects.' Which response demonstrates offering clear reassurance while avoiding false
promises, as emphasized in the Rasmussen curriculum?
A. 'I can share information about the most common side effects and what we will do if they occur. Your healthcare
team will monitor you closely.' [CORRECT]
B. 'You don't need to worry about that. That medication is perfectly safe.'
C. 'I'm sure nothing bad will happen. Just trust us.'
D. 'Let's not focus on side effects. Think positive thoughts instead.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Option A demonstrates the appropriate balance between providing reassurance and maintaining accuracy. The
nurse offers clear reassurance about the care the patient will receive (monitoring, having a plan for side effects) while
avoiding false promises that nothing will go wrong. The Rasmussen curriculum emphasizes that nurses should provide
honest reassurance about care while avoiding false promises. Options B and C provide false reassurance, and D uses
blocking by dismissing the patient's concern.
Q8. A nursing instructor is discussing health inequity with students. Which statement by a student
demonstrates an accurate understanding of health inequity as defined in the 2026 Rasmussen curriculum?
A. Health inequity refers to unfair and preventable differences in health outcomes that are influenced by social
determinants. [CORRECT]
B. Health inequity means that all patients have equal access to healthcare services regardless of their income.
C. Health inequity occurs only when patients refuse to follow their prescribed treatment plans.
D. Health inequity is the natural result of genetic differences between racial and ethnic groups.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Health inequity is defined as unfair and preventable differences in health outcomes across populations. The
Rasmussen 2026/2027 curriculum emphasizes that social determinants of health have the biggest impact on health
outcomes, and that health literacy affects everything from treatment adherence to health maintenance. Option B
incorrectly describes equity as current reality rather than a goal, C confuses inequity with noncompliance, and D
incorrectly attributes inequity to genetics rather than systemic factors.
Q9. A nurse is caring for a patient who is homeless and has not been taking prescribed medications due to
inability to afford them. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which level of need is most directly
unmet in this situation?
A. Basic physiological needs [CORRECT]
B. Safety and security needs
C. Love and belonging needs
D. Self-actualization needs
Correct Answer: A
NUR 2356: Multidimensional Care I (MDC 1)
Exam 1 — Latest 2026/2027 Curriculum
Rasmussen University | College of Nursing
Section 1: Communication and Foundational Concepts (Q1–Q15)
Q1. A nursing student is preparing to communicate with a postoperative patient who is experiencing
significant pain. The student asks the instructor, 'What is the primary purpose of therapeutic communication
in this situation?' Which response by the instructor is most accurate?
A. To exchange information and meaning between the nurse and patient to promote understanding and healing
[CORRECT]
B. To persuade the patient to accept the recommended treatment plan without question
C. To document the patient's complaints accurately in the medical record for legal purposes
D. To redirect the patient's attention away from their pain using distraction techniques
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The primary purpose of communication is the exchange of information and meaning between people. In
therapeutic communication, verbal and nonverbal messages must match for effectiveness, and the goal is to promote
understanding and a trusting nurse-patient relationship. Persuading the patient (B) is non-therapeutic; documentation (C)
is important but not the primary purpose of communication; and distraction (D) is a specific intervention, not the
overarching purpose of communication itself.
Q2. A nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the communication process. The nurse explains that
communication consists of four essential parts. The student correctly identifies which of the following as the
four parts of the communication process?
A. Sender, message, channel, and receiver [CORRECT]
B. Speaker, listener, interpreter, and responder
C. Encoder, decoder, transmitter, and feedback loop
D. Initiator, content, medium, and recipient
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The four parts of the communication process are sender, message, channel, and receiver. The sender encodes
the message, which is transmitted through a channel to the receiver, who decodes it. This foundational model is central to
understanding both therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication in the Rasmussen NUR 2356 curriculum. While other
frameworks describe similar concepts, the standard four-part model uses these exact terms.
Q3. A nurse enters a patient's room to perform a preoperative assessment. The television is on loudly, the
patient appears anxious, and family members are having a conversation nearby. Which factor is most likely to
act as 'noise' interfering with nurse-patient communication?
A. All of the listed factors (TV volume, anxiety, family conversation) [CORRECT]
B. Only the television volume, since it is the only external distraction
Page 1
, C. Only the patient's anxiety, because internal factors are the strongest barriers
D. None of these, because the patient is awake and able to respond
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 'Noise' in the communication process refers to any factor that interferes with the accurate transmission and
reception of a message. Noise can be external (TV volume, family conversation, environmental distractions) or internal
(pain, anxiety, fatigue). In this scenario, all listed factors—the loud TV, the patient's anxiety, and the nearby family
conversation—act as barriers to effective communication. The Rasmussen curriculum emphasizes identifying and
minimizing all forms of noise to promote effective nurse-patient communication.
Q4. A nurse is caring for a patient who expresses concern about an upcoming surgery, stating, 'I just know
something terrible is going to happen.' Which response by the nurse is an example of a non-therapeutic
communication technique that should be avoided?
A. 'Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm sure you have nothing to be concerned about.' [CORRECT]
B. 'Can you tell me more about what specifically concerns you about the surgery?'
C. 'It sounds like you're feeling anxious about the procedure. Let's talk about what to expect.'
D. 'Many patients feel this way before surgery. Your surgical team is very experienced.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Providing false reassurance ('Don't worry, everything will be fine') is a non-therapeutic communication
technique that blocks further expression of the patient's feelings. The Rasmussen curriculum specifically identifies false
reassurance as a barrier to effective communication because it dismisses the patient's legitimate concerns. Options B and
C use therapeutic techniques (probing and reflecting), while D offers realistic reassurance based on the team's expertise
without making false promises about outcomes.
Q5. A nurse is caring for a patient from a different cultural background. The nurse assumes the patient will
not follow the prescribed medication regimen based on the nurse's previous experiences with patients from
the same cultural group. Which communication barrier is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Stereotyping [CORRECT]
B. Therapeutic use of self
C. Active listening
D. Clarification
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Stereotyping occurs when a nurse makes assumptions about an individual based on group characteristics
rather than treating the patient as a unique person. This is a significant communication barrier identified in the Rasmussen
NUR 2356 curriculum. Stereotyping prevents individualized care and can damage the therapeutic relationship.
Therapeutic use of self, active listening, and clarification are all therapeutic communication techniques, not barriers.
Q6. A patient states, 'I'm not sure I understand what the doctor told me about my new medication.' Which
therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use first?
A. Clarification [CORRECT]
B. Restating
C. Summarization
D. Confrontation
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale: Clarification is the therapeutic communication technique used when the nurse needs to help the patient express
their thoughts more clearly or when the nurse needs to better understand the patient's message. In this scenario, the patient
has indicated confusion about medication instructions, so the nurse should use clarification to explore what specifically is
unclear. Probing and clarification encourage information sharing and are foundational techniques in the Rasmussen NUR
2356 communication module. Restating (B) repeats the patient's message, summarization (C) is used at the end of a
conversation, and confrontation (D) addresses discrepancies.
Q7. A nurse is providing care to an anxious patient who says, 'I heard that the medication you're giving me
has terrible side effects.' Which response demonstrates offering clear reassurance while avoiding false
promises, as emphasized in the Rasmussen curriculum?
A. 'I can share information about the most common side effects and what we will do if they occur. Your healthcare
team will monitor you closely.' [CORRECT]
B. 'You don't need to worry about that. That medication is perfectly safe.'
C. 'I'm sure nothing bad will happen. Just trust us.'
D. 'Let's not focus on side effects. Think positive thoughts instead.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Option A demonstrates the appropriate balance between providing reassurance and maintaining accuracy. The
nurse offers clear reassurance about the care the patient will receive (monitoring, having a plan for side effects) while
avoiding false promises that nothing will go wrong. The Rasmussen curriculum emphasizes that nurses should provide
honest reassurance about care while avoiding false promises. Options B and C provide false reassurance, and D uses
blocking by dismissing the patient's concern.
Q8. A nursing instructor is discussing health inequity with students. Which statement by a student
demonstrates an accurate understanding of health inequity as defined in the 2026 Rasmussen curriculum?
A. Health inequity refers to unfair and preventable differences in health outcomes that are influenced by social
determinants. [CORRECT]
B. Health inequity means that all patients have equal access to healthcare services regardless of their income.
C. Health inequity occurs only when patients refuse to follow their prescribed treatment plans.
D. Health inequity is the natural result of genetic differences between racial and ethnic groups.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Health inequity is defined as unfair and preventable differences in health outcomes across populations. The
Rasmussen 2026/2027 curriculum emphasizes that social determinants of health have the biggest impact on health
outcomes, and that health literacy affects everything from treatment adherence to health maintenance. Option B
incorrectly describes equity as current reality rather than a goal, C confuses inequity with noncompliance, and D
incorrectly attributes inequity to genetics rather than systemic factors.
Q9. A nurse is caring for a patient who is homeless and has not been taking prescribed medications due to
inability to afford them. According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, which level of need is most directly
unmet in this situation?
A. Basic physiological needs [CORRECT]
B. Safety and security needs
C. Love and belonging needs
D. Self-actualization needs
Correct Answer: A
