Sherpath: Communication in Nursing Exam Questions and Answers | Updated 2026 | Graded A+

Sherpath: Communication in Nursing Exam Questions and Answers | Updated 2026 | Graded A+ Critical components of professional nursing communication - answer-respect, assertiveness, collaboration, delegation, advocacy therapeutic communication vs social communication - answer-therapeutic: positive, beneficial interactions that focus on patients social: informal interactions among friends Nontherapeutic communication - answer-(communication that is not focused on the patient's needs and concerns) can have an adverse effect on the nurse-patient relationship. examples: Discouraging the patient from expressing emotions openly Making the patient feel defensive Shifting the focus away from the patient's concerns and experiences Avoiding exploration of critical topics Discouraging effective patient decision makingdamaging nontherapeutic communication - answer-asking "why" questions, closed ended questions, changing the subject, giving false reassurance, giving advice, giving generalized responses, approving or disapproving, agreeing or disagreeing, excessive self-disclosure or comparison, comparing patient experiences, using personal terms of endearment, being defensive defense mechanisms - answer-compensation denial displacement introjection projection rationalization regression repression sublimation suppression Developing a solid nurse-patient helping relationship involves: - answer-Building trust Demonstrating empathy Establishing boundaries Recognizing and respecting cultural concerns Developing a comprehensive plan of care Phases of the Helping Relationship - answer-Orientation phase Working phase Termination phaseNursing diagnoses commonly related to communication concerns include: - answer-Impaired verbal communication Readiness for enhanced communication Powerlessness Risk for powerlessness Social isolation Situational low self-esteem Anxiety Fear verbal therapeutic communication - answer-1. offering self 2. calling patient by name 3. sharing observations 4. giving information 5. using open-ended questions 6. using focused questions 7. proving general leads 8. conveying acceptance 9. using humor 10. verbalizing the implied 11. restating communication 12. reflecting feelings 13. seeking clarification 14. summarizing 15. validatingNonverbal Therapeutic Communication - answer-active listening, silence, touch Sensory impairments that may affect communication include: - answer-Hearing impairments Visual impairments Physical impairments Cognitive impairments various approaches can be used to communicate with a hearing-impaired patient: - answerVerify if the patient uses a hearing aid, and check that the hearing aid is being used properly and that the batteries are charged. Minimize background noise as much as possible. Make sure that the area is well-lit to improve the patient's ability to read lips. Speak as clearly as possible. Raise normal voice level only slightly. Stay within three to six feet of the patient. Avoid turning away from the patient while talking. Communications with patients who have visual impairments should be anticipatory, and may include: - answer-Describing the location of objects or potential hazards in the room Using analog clock descriptors to specify location ("The phone is at 9 o'clock on the table.")Using available tools for communication, such as large-print, Braille, audio, and e-books in order to facilitate patient education Employing verbal announcement or gentle physical contact to alert a blind patient to your presence Keeping eyeglasses available at all times for patients who wear them communicating with semi-comatose - answer-Communication with a semi-comatose or postoperative patient still partially anesthetized may be realized through physical touch and hand-squeezing and by observing for nonverbal signs. If the patient grimaces when touched or moved, or responds when asked to squeeze the nurse's hand, communication is established. The nurse must talk to the patient before initiating care and throughout procedures, even if the patient is seemingly unaware of the surroundings. communicating with quadriplegic on venilator - answer-Quadriplegic patients who have a tracheostomy or who are on a ventilator may be able to communicate in a variety of ways: Gestures, such as nods, shrugs, or eye movements that communicate meaning Assistive devices that can interpret gestures and eye movements and connect to computers communication with intellectual disabilities - answer-Patients diagnosed with intellectual disabilities or dementia require special attention by caregivers. Consulting with the family members of these patients often provides helpful hints and insights into what is most effective in gaining the patient's cooperation with necessary nursing interventions.Avoiding confrontation is important. It is better to accept a demented patient's thought process than to argue or try to correct an erroneous line of thinking. 1. Which critical components of professional nursing communication build trust and convey caring? Select all that apply. A. Advocacy B. Assertiveness C. Collaboration D. Delegation E. Respect - answer-A, D 2. The circulating nurse in the operating room says "The patient's arm is not straight; it needs to be repositioned." Which component of professional nursing is the nurse displaying? A. Respect B. AssertivenessC. Collaboration D. Advocacy - answer-A 3. In which scenario is the nurse displaying delegation? A. The staff nurse caring for Mr. Jones says, "Dr. Smith, I'm concerned about your patient, Mr. Jones, as he does not seem to be able to tolerate his new medication and I'm concerned how he will manage when he is discharged. Do you plan to make a change?" B. The staff nurse on the unit says, "Good morning. My name is Nancy, and I'm the nurse who will be caring for you today until 7 p.m. What name would you like me to call you?" C. The staff nurse, to the nursing assistant, says, "Jane, Mr. Jones needs to be fed today as he is confused and unable to feed himself. I will help you sit him up in the chair so he is upright. I want you to feed him slowly, leave him up in the chair with his safety vest remaining on, and contact me when you are done feeding him." D. The change nurse on the pediatric unit called the hospital social worker stating, "I admitted a tw - answer-B 4. Which statement about the nurse's non-verbal communication is accurate? A. The nurse rolling her/his eyes at the patient's family demonstrates professional nursing communication.B. The nurse who folds her/his arms while sitting or standing when talking with the patient indicates openness to what is being shared verbally in the conversation. C. The nurse who gently touches a blind patient's arm before providing care indicates empathy. D. The nurse introduces her/him-self and shakes hands with the patient shows a lack of respect. - answer-C 5. Which communication made by the student nurse may be revised to better promote patient cooperation and affirmation? A. "Mr. Jones, don't forget to use your incentive spirometer every two hours." B. "Mr. Jones, I'm going to take your blood pressure so I'm going to move your left arm now." C. "Mr. Jones, remember to do the ankle exercises every hour if you are in bed." D. "Mr. Jones, I have some information I need to obtain from you. Would you like your visitors to step out of the room?" - answer-A 6. Which comment made by the nurse caring for a medical-surgical ward patient indicates a need for further training in communication?