,NUR 3270 Exam 1 – Comprehensive Health
Assessment – Q&A (2026) | William Paterson
1. Which term describes the process of interaction between people in which
messages are exchanged?
A) Communication
B) Assessment
C) Collaboration
D) Diagnosis
Correct Answer: A) Communication
Rationale: Communication is defined as a process of interaction between people
in which messages are exchanged. Assessment, collaboration, and diagnosis are
separate nursing activities. Understanding communication as a dynamic
exchange of messages is foundational for building therapeutic relationships and
providing safe, patient-centered care.
2. According to Giddens, which of the following is an attribute of
communication?
A) Linear one-way transfer of information
B) Complementary exchange with sender and receiver roles
C) Absence of feedback between individuals
D) Use of only spoken or written words
Correct Answer: B) Complementary exchange with sender and receiver roles
,Rationale: Giddens identifies communication as a process of complementary
exchange between people in which each party is either a sender or receiver. It is
not one-way or limited to verbal forms, and feedback is integral. This attribute
supports collaboration, care coordination, safety, culture, and healthcare
quality.
3. A nurse is reviewing a patient's chart before meeting the patient for the first
time. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship is this?
A) Working phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Pre-interaction phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: C) Pre-interaction phase
Rationale: The pre-interaction phase occurs before the nurse meets the patient.
It includes reviewing data and medical history, talking with other caregivers,
anticipating health concerns, identifying the setting, and planning time for
interaction. This preparation allows the nurse to approach the relationship with
insight and intention.
4. Which example best demonstrates metacommunication?
A) Giving a clear verbal report
B) Using gestures during an explanation
C) Writing a note in the chart
D) A patient states pain is 2 but grimaces and guards the abdomen
, Correct Answer: D) A patient states pain is 2 but grimaces and guards the
abdomen
Rationale: Metacommunication is the message within the message, occurring
when spoken words do not match body language or other nonverbal cues. The
discrepancy between the reported pain level and the grimacing and guarding
indicates a deeper message. Recognizing metacommunication improves
assessment accuracy and therapeutic response.
5. Which level of communication involves self-talk used to develop self-
awareness and positive self-esteem?
A) Interpersonal communication
B) Intrapersonal communication
C) Small-group communication
D) Public communication
Correct Answer: B) Intrapersonal communication
Rationale: Intrapersonal communication is self-talk that occurs within the
individual. It is used to develop self-awareness, reflect on actions, and build
positive self-esteem. Interpersonal involves one-on-one interaction, small-group
is outcome-oriented, and public communication addresses an audience.
6. The nurse is using gestures, eye contact, and body language. Which form of
communication is this?
A) Nonverbal communication
B) Verbal communication
Assessment – Q&A (2026) | William Paterson
1. Which term describes the process of interaction between people in which
messages are exchanged?
A) Communication
B) Assessment
C) Collaboration
D) Diagnosis
Correct Answer: A) Communication
Rationale: Communication is defined as a process of interaction between people
in which messages are exchanged. Assessment, collaboration, and diagnosis are
separate nursing activities. Understanding communication as a dynamic
exchange of messages is foundational for building therapeutic relationships and
providing safe, patient-centered care.
2. According to Giddens, which of the following is an attribute of
communication?
A) Linear one-way transfer of information
B) Complementary exchange with sender and receiver roles
C) Absence of feedback between individuals
D) Use of only spoken or written words
Correct Answer: B) Complementary exchange with sender and receiver roles
,Rationale: Giddens identifies communication as a process of complementary
exchange between people in which each party is either a sender or receiver. It is
not one-way or limited to verbal forms, and feedback is integral. This attribute
supports collaboration, care coordination, safety, culture, and healthcare
quality.
3. A nurse is reviewing a patient's chart before meeting the patient for the first
time. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship is this?
A) Working phase
B) Orientation phase
C) Pre-interaction phase
D) Termination phase
Correct Answer: C) Pre-interaction phase
Rationale: The pre-interaction phase occurs before the nurse meets the patient.
It includes reviewing data and medical history, talking with other caregivers,
anticipating health concerns, identifying the setting, and planning time for
interaction. This preparation allows the nurse to approach the relationship with
insight and intention.
4. Which example best demonstrates metacommunication?
A) Giving a clear verbal report
B) Using gestures during an explanation
C) Writing a note in the chart
D) A patient states pain is 2 but grimaces and guards the abdomen
, Correct Answer: D) A patient states pain is 2 but grimaces and guards the
abdomen
Rationale: Metacommunication is the message within the message, occurring
when spoken words do not match body language or other nonverbal cues. The
discrepancy between the reported pain level and the grimacing and guarding
indicates a deeper message. Recognizing metacommunication improves
assessment accuracy and therapeutic response.
5. Which level of communication involves self-talk used to develop self-
awareness and positive self-esteem?
A) Interpersonal communication
B) Intrapersonal communication
C) Small-group communication
D) Public communication
Correct Answer: B) Intrapersonal communication
Rationale: Intrapersonal communication is self-talk that occurs within the
individual. It is used to develop self-awareness, reflect on actions, and build
positive self-esteem. Interpersonal involves one-on-one interaction, small-group
is outcome-oriented, and public communication addresses an audience.
6. The nurse is using gestures, eye contact, and body language. Which form of
communication is this?
A) Nonverbal communication
B) Verbal communication
