ATI Fundamentals: Communication & Patient-Centered Care Study
Guide 2026 |Rationales
1. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship focuses on setting the tone and
establishing the contract for the relationship?
A. Working Phase
B. Orientation Phase
C. Termination Phase
D. Pre-interaction Phase
Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase involves introducing oneself, establishing the purpose of
the interaction, and setting expectations and boundaries.
2. A nurse is using the SOLER technique for active listening. What does the ‘E’ in
SOLER stand for?
A. Maintain Eye contact
B. Encourage the patient to speak
C. Evaluate the patient’s response
D. Empathize with the feelings
Answer: A
Rationale: SOLER stands for Sit facing the patient, Open posture, Lean toward the patient,
Eye contact, and Relax.
,3. The nurse asks a patient, ‘You seem worried about your surgery tomorrow. Is
that correct?’ Which therapeutic technique is the nurse using?
A. Stating observations
B. Summarizing
C. Clarifying
D. Sharing empathy
Answer: A
Rationale: Stating observations involves calling attention to the patient’s behavior or
appearance without making a judgment.
4. Which type of communication occurs within an individual, often referred to
as ‘self-talk’?
A. Interpersonal
B. Transpersonal
C. Intrapersonal
D. Public
Answer: C
Rationale: Intrapersonal communication is the internal dialogue that occurs within an
individual.
5. A nurse tells a patient, ‘Everything will be fine, don’t worry.’ This is an
example of which non-therapeutic barrier?
A. Changing the subject
B. Giving false reassurance
C. Giving personal opinions
D. Showing sympathy
Answer: B
Rationale: False reassurance discounts the patient’s feelings and discourages further
communication by offering unfounded hope.
, 6. During which phase of the helping relationship does the nurse review
available data, including medical and nursing history?
A. Orientation Phase
B. Pre-interaction Phase
C. Working Phase
D. Termination Phase
Answer: B
Rationale: The pre-interaction phase happens before meeting the patient, where the nurse
gathers data and prepares for the encounter.
7. When communicating with a patient who is hard of hearing, what should the
nurse do?
A. Shout directly into the patient’s ear
B. Face the patient so they can see the nurse’s mouth
C. Speak at a normal volume but faster
D. Avoid using hand gestures
Answer: B
Rationale: Facing the patient allows them to lip-read and use visual cues to assist in
understanding communication.
8. A nurse is communicating with a non-English speaking patient. What is the
most appropriate action?
A. Ask a family member to translate
B. Speak loudly and slowly in English
C. Use a certified medical interpreter
D. Use simple medical jargon
Answer: C
Rationale: Professional medical interpreters are required to ensure accuracy and patient
safety; family members may misinterpret or omit information.
Guide 2026 |Rationales
1. Which phase of the nurse-patient relationship focuses on setting the tone and
establishing the contract for the relationship?
A. Working Phase
B. Orientation Phase
C. Termination Phase
D. Pre-interaction Phase
Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase involves introducing oneself, establishing the purpose of
the interaction, and setting expectations and boundaries.
2. A nurse is using the SOLER technique for active listening. What does the ‘E’ in
SOLER stand for?
A. Maintain Eye contact
B. Encourage the patient to speak
C. Evaluate the patient’s response
D. Empathize with the feelings
Answer: A
Rationale: SOLER stands for Sit facing the patient, Open posture, Lean toward the patient,
Eye contact, and Relax.
,3. The nurse asks a patient, ‘You seem worried about your surgery tomorrow. Is
that correct?’ Which therapeutic technique is the nurse using?
A. Stating observations
B. Summarizing
C. Clarifying
D. Sharing empathy
Answer: A
Rationale: Stating observations involves calling attention to the patient’s behavior or
appearance without making a judgment.
4. Which type of communication occurs within an individual, often referred to
as ‘self-talk’?
A. Interpersonal
B. Transpersonal
C. Intrapersonal
D. Public
Answer: C
Rationale: Intrapersonal communication is the internal dialogue that occurs within an
individual.
5. A nurse tells a patient, ‘Everything will be fine, don’t worry.’ This is an
example of which non-therapeutic barrier?
A. Changing the subject
B. Giving false reassurance
C. Giving personal opinions
D. Showing sympathy
Answer: B
Rationale: False reassurance discounts the patient’s feelings and discourages further
communication by offering unfounded hope.
, 6. During which phase of the helping relationship does the nurse review
available data, including medical and nursing history?
A. Orientation Phase
B. Pre-interaction Phase
C. Working Phase
D. Termination Phase
Answer: B
Rationale: The pre-interaction phase happens before meeting the patient, where the nurse
gathers data and prepares for the encounter.
7. When communicating with a patient who is hard of hearing, what should the
nurse do?
A. Shout directly into the patient’s ear
B. Face the patient so they can see the nurse’s mouth
C. Speak at a normal volume but faster
D. Avoid using hand gestures
Answer: B
Rationale: Facing the patient allows them to lip-read and use visual cues to assist in
understanding communication.
8. A nurse is communicating with a non-English speaking patient. What is the
most appropriate action?
A. Ask a family member to translate
B. Speak loudly and slowly in English
C. Use a certified medical interpreter
D. Use simple medical jargon
Answer: C
Rationale: Professional medical interpreters are required to ensure accuracy and patient
safety; family members may misinterpret or omit information.
