Galen College NSG 3180 Exam 3 (pdf) | 2026/2027 | Communication
& Teamwork Q&A | Nursing
1. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse
should first:
A) Review the patient's chart in depth
B) Introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish rapport
C) Begin exploring the patient's deep-seated emotional conflicts
D) Prepare for termination
Correct Answer: Introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish
rapport
Rationale: The orientation phase sets the foundation by building trust,
clarifying roles, and setting mutual goals. Reviewing the chart is pre-
interaction. Deep exploration occurs in the working phase. Termination is the
final phase.
2. A patient tells the nurse, "I just can't seem to do anything right anymore."
The nurse responds, "You're feeling pretty discouraged right now." This is an
example of:
A) Restating (paraphrasing)
B) Reflection of feeling (validation)
C) Exploring
D) Clarifying
Correct Answer: Reflection of feeling (validation)
Rationale: Reflection of feeling involves identifying and validating the
patient's emotional state. It helps the patient feel understood and
encourages further expression of feelings.
,3. A nurse is caring for a patient with expressive aphasia. Which
communication strategy is most effective?
A) Speak loudly and slowly
B) Use a communication board or picture cards
C) Ask the patient to repeat words
D) Avoid communicating with the patient
Correct Answer: Use a communication board or picture cards
Rationale: Expressive aphasia impairs the ability to produce speech, but the
patient may still understand language. Using alternative communication
methods, such as a communication board, picture cards, or writing, can
facilitate effective communication.
4. The nurse says to a patient, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean.
Can you explain that again?" This is an example of:
A) Restating
B) Clarifying
C) Focusing
D) Reflection
Correct Answer: Clarifying
Rationale: Clarifying is used when the patient's message is ambiguous,
seeking to ensure accurate understanding. It helps prevent misinterpretation
and promotes effective communication.
,5. The "SOLER" model for active listening includes which of the following?
(Select all that apply)
A) Sit squarely
B) Open posture
C) Lean forward
D) Eye contact
Correct Answer: Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean forward, Eye contact
Rationale: The SOLER model stands for: Sit squarely facing the patient, Open
posture, Lean forward, Eye contact, and Relax. This non-verbal
communication framework conveys attentiveness and respect.
6. A nurse is providing education to a patient with low health literacy. Which
teaching method is most appropriate?
A) Provide a detailed pamphlet with complex medical terminology
B) Use the teach-back method to confirm understanding
C) Give all the information in one long session
D) Ask the patient to read the medication insert
Correct Answer: Use the teach-back method to confirm understanding
Rationale: The teach-back method is an effective strategy for patients with
low health literacy. It involves asking the patient to explain the information in
their own words, which reveals any gaps in understanding and allows for
clarification.
7. Which of the following is a key element of a culture of safety?
A) Blaming individuals for errors
, B) Reporting errors and near misses without fear of punishment
C) Ignoring minor errors to avoid paperwork
D) Discouraging staff from speaking up about safety concerns
Correct Answer: Reporting errors and near misses without fear of punishment
Rationale: A culture of safety encourages the reporting of errors and near
misses so that the organization can learn from them and improve systems.
Blaming individuals discourages reporting and prevents learning.
8. In the SBAR communication tool, the "B" stands for:
A) Background
B) Behavior
C) Breathing
D) Blood pressure
Correct Answer: Background
Rationale: In the SBAR framework, "B" stands for Background. This
component provides relevant contextual information, such as the patient's
medical history, admitting diagnosis, and previous treatment.
9. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to report a patient's change in status.
Which information should the nurse include in the "S" (Situation) component?
A) The patient's medical history and admitting diagnosis
B) The patient's current vital signs and assessment findings
C) A brief summary of what is happening right now with the patient
D) The nurse's specific recommendation or request
& Teamwork Q&A | Nursing
1. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, the nurse
should first:
A) Review the patient's chart in depth
B) Introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish rapport
C) Begin exploring the patient's deep-seated emotional conflicts
D) Prepare for termination
Correct Answer: Introduce oneself, explain the nurse's role, and establish
rapport
Rationale: The orientation phase sets the foundation by building trust,
clarifying roles, and setting mutual goals. Reviewing the chart is pre-
interaction. Deep exploration occurs in the working phase. Termination is the
final phase.
2. A patient tells the nurse, "I just can't seem to do anything right anymore."
The nurse responds, "You're feeling pretty discouraged right now." This is an
example of:
A) Restating (paraphrasing)
B) Reflection of feeling (validation)
C) Exploring
D) Clarifying
Correct Answer: Reflection of feeling (validation)
Rationale: Reflection of feeling involves identifying and validating the
patient's emotional state. It helps the patient feel understood and
encourages further expression of feelings.
,3. A nurse is caring for a patient with expressive aphasia. Which
communication strategy is most effective?
A) Speak loudly and slowly
B) Use a communication board or picture cards
C) Ask the patient to repeat words
D) Avoid communicating with the patient
Correct Answer: Use a communication board or picture cards
Rationale: Expressive aphasia impairs the ability to produce speech, but the
patient may still understand language. Using alternative communication
methods, such as a communication board, picture cards, or writing, can
facilitate effective communication.
4. The nurse says to a patient, "I'm not sure I understand what you mean.
Can you explain that again?" This is an example of:
A) Restating
B) Clarifying
C) Focusing
D) Reflection
Correct Answer: Clarifying
Rationale: Clarifying is used when the patient's message is ambiguous,
seeking to ensure accurate understanding. It helps prevent misinterpretation
and promotes effective communication.
,5. The "SOLER" model for active listening includes which of the following?
(Select all that apply)
A) Sit squarely
B) Open posture
C) Lean forward
D) Eye contact
Correct Answer: Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean forward, Eye contact
Rationale: The SOLER model stands for: Sit squarely facing the patient, Open
posture, Lean forward, Eye contact, and Relax. This non-verbal
communication framework conveys attentiveness and respect.
6. A nurse is providing education to a patient with low health literacy. Which
teaching method is most appropriate?
A) Provide a detailed pamphlet with complex medical terminology
B) Use the teach-back method to confirm understanding
C) Give all the information in one long session
D) Ask the patient to read the medication insert
Correct Answer: Use the teach-back method to confirm understanding
Rationale: The teach-back method is an effective strategy for patients with
low health literacy. It involves asking the patient to explain the information in
their own words, which reveals any gaps in understanding and allows for
clarification.
7. Which of the following is a key element of a culture of safety?
A) Blaming individuals for errors
, B) Reporting errors and near misses without fear of punishment
C) Ignoring minor errors to avoid paperwork
D) Discouraging staff from speaking up about safety concerns
Correct Answer: Reporting errors and near misses without fear of punishment
Rationale: A culture of safety encourages the reporting of errors and near
misses so that the organization can learn from them and improve systems.
Blaming individuals discourages reporting and prevents learning.
8. In the SBAR communication tool, the "B" stands for:
A) Background
B) Behavior
C) Breathing
D) Blood pressure
Correct Answer: Background
Rationale: In the SBAR framework, "B" stands for Background. This
component provides relevant contextual information, such as the patient's
medical history, admitting diagnosis, and previous treatment.
9. A nurse is using the SBAR tool to report a patient's change in status.
Which information should the nurse include in the "S" (Situation) component?
A) The patient's medical history and admitting diagnosis
B) The patient's current vital signs and assessment findings
C) A brief summary of what is happening right now with the patient
D) The nurse's specific recommendation or request
