NURSING COMMUNICATION
COMPETENCY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which action is most
appropriate?
A. Implementing the plan of care to meet identified goals.
B. Evaluating the achievement of patient goals.
C. Establishing the parameters and duration of the relationship.
D. Discussing transition to home care or another facility.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The orientation phase involves establishing rapport, defining
roles, and setting the parameters/duration of the relationship.
2. A nurse states to a patient, ‘I noticed you were grimacing when you moved.’ Which
therapeutic technique is the nurse using?
A. Clarifying
B. Summarizing
C. Sharing observations
,D. Reflecting
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Sharing observations involves noting how the person looks,
sounds, or acts without making assumptions.
3. Which component of the SBAR tool is a nurse using when stating, ‘The patient’s heart rate
is 120 bpm and blood pressure is 90/60’?
A. Situation
B. Background
C. Assessment
D. Recommendation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Assessment in SBAR involves sharing objective findings and vital
signs that indicate the current clinical status.
4. A patient expresses fear about an upcoming procedure. The nurse responds, ‘Everything
will be fine; we have the best surgeons.’ This is an example of:
A. Validation
B. False reassurance
C. Empathy
D. Giving advice
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: False reassurance discounts the patient’s feelings and provides a
guarantee that the nurse cannot keep.
5. In the SOLER acronym for active listening, what does the ‘E’ represent?
A. Explain the procedure
B. Maintain eye contact
C. Examine the patient
D. Encourage feelings
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SOLER stands for Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean forward, Eye
contact, and Relax.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient from a different culture. Which action demonstrates cultural
competence in communication?
A. Using medical jargon to ensure accuracy.
B. Asking the family to translate medical information.
C. Assessing the patient’s preference for touch and eye contact.
D. Assuming all members of that culture communicate the same way.
Answer: C
COMPETENCY EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, which action is most
appropriate?
A. Implementing the plan of care to meet identified goals.
B. Evaluating the achievement of patient goals.
C. Establishing the parameters and duration of the relationship.
D. Discussing transition to home care or another facility.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The orientation phase involves establishing rapport, defining
roles, and setting the parameters/duration of the relationship.
2. A nurse states to a patient, ‘I noticed you were grimacing when you moved.’ Which
therapeutic technique is the nurse using?
A. Clarifying
B. Summarizing
C. Sharing observations
,D. Reflecting
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Sharing observations involves noting how the person looks,
sounds, or acts without making assumptions.
3. Which component of the SBAR tool is a nurse using when stating, ‘The patient’s heart rate
is 120 bpm and blood pressure is 90/60’?
A. Situation
B. Background
C. Assessment
D. Recommendation
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Assessment in SBAR involves sharing objective findings and vital
signs that indicate the current clinical status.
4. A patient expresses fear about an upcoming procedure. The nurse responds, ‘Everything
will be fine; we have the best surgeons.’ This is an example of:
A. Validation
B. False reassurance
C. Empathy
D. Giving advice
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: False reassurance discounts the patient’s feelings and provides a
guarantee that the nurse cannot keep.
5. In the SOLER acronym for active listening, what does the ‘E’ represent?
A. Explain the procedure
B. Maintain eye contact
C. Examine the patient
D. Encourage feelings
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: SOLER stands for Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean forward, Eye
contact, and Relax.
6. A nurse is caring for a patient from a different culture. Which action demonstrates cultural
competence in communication?
A. Using medical jargon to ensure accuracy.
B. Asking the family to translate medical information.
C. Assessing the patient’s preference for touch and eye contact.
D. Assuming all members of that culture communicate the same way.
Answer: C
