TEST BANK FOR
COMMUNICATION IN NURSING,
9TH EDITION, JULIA BALZER
RILEY
, Chapter 1: Responsible, Assertive, Caring Communication in Nursing
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective communication strategies?
a. “The nurse should use clear, direct statements using objective words.”
b. “The nurse uses body language that is congruent with the verbal message.”
c. “The nurse believes that positive communication strategies build confidence.”
d. “The nurse practices assertive and responsible communication strategies.”
ANS: C
Learning involves three domains: the cognitive aspects (understanding and meaning), affective
aspects (feelings, values, and attitudes), and psychomotor aspects (physical
capability).Learning basic communication skills involves the cognitive domain; building
confidence through a belief in the value and impact of positive communication is the affective
domain; and putting skills into action is the psychomotor domain.DIF: Comprehension REF: p.
13 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
2. The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by the staff nurse
is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
a. “I don’t want you upset, so I will work extra.” b. “Why do I always have to cover extra shifts?”
c. “I am not able to work an extra shift.”
d. “If you can’t find anyone else, I will do it.”
ANS: C
,The staff nurse may turn down even a reasonable request; an assertive response avoids irrational
beliefs. Irrational beliefs occur as a result of being anxious about assertiveness or focusing on
possible negative outcomes.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 8 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication
and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
3. A nurse manager offers a staff nurse a choice between working 8- or 12-hour shifts.
Which statement, if made by the staff nurse, is nonassertive and may result in a frustrated
response from the nurse manager?
, Test Bank 2
a. “I want to decide the shifts for all of the other staff nurses.”
b. “Do whatever you want. It doesn’t really matter to me.”
c. “Thank you for offering me a choice. I prefer 12-hour shifts.”
d. “You will never be able to give me what I really want to work.”
ANS: B
A statement that allows others to make decisions for a person is an example of a nonassertive style
of communication; the response of others to a nonassertive statement may include disrespect,
guilt, anger, or frustration. Statements that make choices for others or that are accusations are
examples of aggressive styles of communication; the response of others to an aggressive statement
may include hurt, defensiveness, or humiliation. A statement that allows making one’s own
decisions is an example of assertive style of communication; the response of others to an
assertive statement may include mutual respect.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 7 TOP: Integrated
Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment:
Management of Care
4. The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has
not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of
communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a
change in self-care behavior?
a. Authoritative, honest, and outright communication b. Assertive, responsible, and caring
communication
c. Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication d. Positive, expert, and focused
communication
COMMUNICATION IN NURSING,
9TH EDITION, JULIA BALZER
RILEY
, Chapter 1: Responsible, Assertive, Caring Communication in Nursing
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective communication strategies?
a. “The nurse should use clear, direct statements using objective words.”
b. “The nurse uses body language that is congruent with the verbal message.”
c. “The nurse believes that positive communication strategies build confidence.”
d. “The nurse practices assertive and responsible communication strategies.”
ANS: C
Learning involves three domains: the cognitive aspects (understanding and meaning), affective
aspects (feelings, values, and attitudes), and psychomotor aspects (physical
capability).Learning basic communication skills involves the cognitive domain; building
confidence through a belief in the value and impact of positive communication is the affective
domain; and putting skills into action is the psychomotor domain.DIF: Comprehension REF: p.
13 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
2. The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by the staff nurse
is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
a. “I don’t want you upset, so I will work extra.” b. “Why do I always have to cover extra shifts?”
c. “I am not able to work an extra shift.”
d. “If you can’t find anyone else, I will do it.”
ANS: C
,The staff nurse may turn down even a reasonable request; an assertive response avoids irrational
beliefs. Irrational beliefs occur as a result of being anxious about assertiveness or focusing on
possible negative outcomes.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 8 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication
and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
3. A nurse manager offers a staff nurse a choice between working 8- or 12-hour shifts.
Which statement, if made by the staff nurse, is nonassertive and may result in a frustrated
response from the nurse manager?
, Test Bank 2
a. “I want to decide the shifts for all of the other staff nurses.”
b. “Do whatever you want. It doesn’t really matter to me.”
c. “Thank you for offering me a choice. I prefer 12-hour shifts.”
d. “You will never be able to give me what I really want to work.”
ANS: B
A statement that allows others to make decisions for a person is an example of a nonassertive style
of communication; the response of others to a nonassertive statement may include disrespect,
guilt, anger, or frustration. Statements that make choices for others or that are accusations are
examples of aggressive styles of communication; the response of others to an aggressive statement
may include hurt, defensiveness, or humiliation. A statement that allows making one’s own
decisions is an example of assertive style of communication; the response of others to an
assertive statement may include mutual respect.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 7 TOP: Integrated
Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment:
Management of Care
4. The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The patient has
not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed medications. Which type of
communication approach is most important for the nurse to use with this patient to facilitate a
change in self-care behavior?
a. Authoritative, honest, and outright communication b. Assertive, responsible, and caring
communication
c. Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication d. Positive, expert, and focused
communication
