ATI Leadership | Week 5 Study Guide (Communication & Conflict
Resolution) 2026/2027 Questions |Answers |Rationales
1. When using the SBAR communication tool, which information belongs in the
‘S’ (Situation) section?
A. The patient’s medical history and allergies
B. Specific requests for orders or interventions
C. The nurse’s assessment of the patient’s current vital signs
D. A concise statement of the problem or the reason for the call
Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘Situation’ component of SBAR is a brief statement that identifies the caller,
the patient, and why the call is being made.
2. A nurse is feeling stressed because they want to go back to school but also
want to work full-time. This is an example of which type of conflict?
A. Interpersonal conflict
B. Intrapersonal conflict
C. Intergroup conflict
D. Organizational conflict
Answer: B
Rationale: Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual, often involving internal
struggles or personal dilemmas.
,3. In the ‘Perceived’ stage of the conflict process, which of the following occurs?
A. Parties involved begin to feel emotional stress and anxiety
B. Conflict is overt and action is taken to resolve it
C. A person recognizes that a conflict exists but does not feel emotionally involved
D. Conditions exist that could lead to a conflict but no one is aware yet
Answer: C
Rationale: Perceived conflict is intellectualized; the person is aware that a conflict is
occurring but has not yet felt the emotional impact.
4. Which conflict resolution strategy results in a ‘Win-Win’ outcome where both
parties work together for a common goal?
A. Compromising
B. Smoothing
C. Collaborating
D. Competing
Answer: C
Rationale: Collaborating is the only strategy that yields a win-win result by identifying
shared goals and working together.
5. A nurse manager notices two staff members arguing about the holiday
schedule. The manager tells them ‘Let’s just focus on how well we worked
together yesterday.’ This is an example of:
A. Avoiding
B. Smoothing
C. Compromising
D. Collaborating
Answer: B
Rationale: Smoothing (or accommodating) involves focusing on areas of agreement rather
than disagreement to minimize the conflict.
, 6. Which of the following is a characteristic of assertive communication?
A. Using ‘You’ statements to point out others’ mistakes
B. Avoiding eye contact to prevent confrontation
C. Expressing thoughts and feelings in a direct, honest, and non-threatening way
D. Speaking loudly and over others to ensure points are heard
Answer: C
Rationale: Assertive communication involves standing up for one’s rights and expressing
opinions clearly without violating the rights of others.
7. During a conflict between the pharmacy and the nursing unit regarding
medication delivery times, the parties decide to each give up something to
reach a solution. This is known as:
A. Cooperating
B. Compromising
C. Avoiding
D. Competing
Answer: B
Rationale: Compromising involves each party giving up something of value to reach a
middle-ground solution.
8. In the SBAR tool, where would a nurse include a patient’s current lab results
that are abnormal?
A. Situation
B. Background
C. Recommendation
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment (A) includes clinical findings such as vital signs, lab results, and the
nurse’s interpretation of the patient’s status.
Resolution) 2026/2027 Questions |Answers |Rationales
1. When using the SBAR communication tool, which information belongs in the
‘S’ (Situation) section?
A. The patient’s medical history and allergies
B. Specific requests for orders or interventions
C. The nurse’s assessment of the patient’s current vital signs
D. A concise statement of the problem or the reason for the call
Answer: D
Rationale: The ‘Situation’ component of SBAR is a brief statement that identifies the caller,
the patient, and why the call is being made.
2. A nurse is feeling stressed because they want to go back to school but also
want to work full-time. This is an example of which type of conflict?
A. Interpersonal conflict
B. Intrapersonal conflict
C. Intergroup conflict
D. Organizational conflict
Answer: B
Rationale: Intrapersonal conflict occurs within an individual, often involving internal
struggles or personal dilemmas.
,3. In the ‘Perceived’ stage of the conflict process, which of the following occurs?
A. Parties involved begin to feel emotional stress and anxiety
B. Conflict is overt and action is taken to resolve it
C. A person recognizes that a conflict exists but does not feel emotionally involved
D. Conditions exist that could lead to a conflict but no one is aware yet
Answer: C
Rationale: Perceived conflict is intellectualized; the person is aware that a conflict is
occurring but has not yet felt the emotional impact.
4. Which conflict resolution strategy results in a ‘Win-Win’ outcome where both
parties work together for a common goal?
A. Compromising
B. Smoothing
C. Collaborating
D. Competing
Answer: C
Rationale: Collaborating is the only strategy that yields a win-win result by identifying
shared goals and working together.
5. A nurse manager notices two staff members arguing about the holiday
schedule. The manager tells them ‘Let’s just focus on how well we worked
together yesterday.’ This is an example of:
A. Avoiding
B. Smoothing
C. Compromising
D. Collaborating
Answer: B
Rationale: Smoothing (or accommodating) involves focusing on areas of agreement rather
than disagreement to minimize the conflict.
, 6. Which of the following is a characteristic of assertive communication?
A. Using ‘You’ statements to point out others’ mistakes
B. Avoiding eye contact to prevent confrontation
C. Expressing thoughts and feelings in a direct, honest, and non-threatening way
D. Speaking loudly and over others to ensure points are heard
Answer: C
Rationale: Assertive communication involves standing up for one’s rights and expressing
opinions clearly without violating the rights of others.
7. During a conflict between the pharmacy and the nursing unit regarding
medication delivery times, the parties decide to each give up something to
reach a solution. This is known as:
A. Cooperating
B. Compromising
C. Avoiding
D. Competing
Answer: B
Rationale: Compromising involves each party giving up something of value to reach a
middle-ground solution.
8. In the SBAR tool, where would a nurse include a patient’s current lab results
that are abnormal?
A. Situation
B. Background
C. Recommendation
D. Assessment
Answer: D
Rationale: Assessment (A) includes clinical findings such as vital signs, lab results, and the
nurse’s interpretation of the patient’s status.
