The charge nurse overhears an AP yelling loudly to a patient who is hard of hearing, while transferring
them from the bed to a chair. Upon entering the room, which response by the charge nurse is most
appropriate?
a. "Please speak more quietly so you don't disturb the other patients."
b. "Let me help you with your transfer technique."
c. "When you are finished, be sure to apologize for shouting."
d. "When your patient is safe and comfortable, meet me at the desk." *** d. The charge nurse should
direct the AP to see to the patient's safety, then address any concerns privately. The nurse then can
discuss appropriate use of therapeutic communication.
A public health nurse is leaving the home of a young mother who has an infant with special needs. The
neighbor states, "How is she doing, since the baby's father is no help?" What is the nurse's best
response?
a. "New mothers need support."
b. "The lack of a father is difficult."
c. "How are you today?"
d. "It is a very sad situation." *** a. The nurse must maintain confidentiality when providing care. The
statement "New mothers need support" is a general statement that all new parents need help. The
statement is not judgmental of the family's roles. "How are you today?" is dismissive of the neighbor's
question.
A toddler with vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration is being seen at an acute care center. During the
admission interview, what question will the nurse ask the parents to elicit the most useful information?
a. "Watching your child vomiting and in discomfort must have been scary."
b. "This started yesterday, correct?"
c. "Has this child has had anything to drink?"
d. Could you tell me the color and approximate amount of the vomiting? *** d. Using a clarifying
question or comment allows the nurse to gain an understanding of the parents' observations, avoiding
misunderstandings that could lead to an inappropriate nursing diagnosis. A reflective question
,technique involves repeating what the person has said or describes the person's feelings. Assertive
questions are direct, demonstrating the ability to stand up for self or others, using open and honest
communication. Open-ended questions encourage free verbalization and expression of what the parents
believe to be true.
A nurse enters a patient's room and examines the patient's intravenous (IV) fluids and cardiac monitor.
When asked, "who are you?", which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. "I'm just the IV therapist checking your IV."
b. "I've been transferred to this division and will be caring for you."
c. "I'm sorry, my name is John Smith and I am your nurse."
d. "I am John Smith, your nurse, and I'll be caring for you until 11 PM." *** d. The nurse should identify
themselves, ensure the patient knows what will be happening, and the duration of their relationship.
A nurse enters the room of a patient with cancer. The patient is crying and states, "I feel so alone." How
will the nurse best communicate a therapeutic response?
a. The nurse stands at the patient's bedside and states, "I understand how you feel. My mother said the
same thing when she was ill."
b. The nurse places a hand on the patient's arm and states, "You feel so alone."
c. The nurse stands in the patient's room and asks, "Why do you feel so alone? Your wife has been here
every day."
d. The nurse holds the patient's hand and asks, "Tell me what feeling so alone is like for you?" *** d. The
use of touch conveys acceptance, and the implementation of an open-ended question allows the patient
time to verbalize freely.
A primary nurse is preparing a discharge plan for a patient who has been hospitalized following a double
mastectomy. Which statement is most appropriate for the nurse to use in the termination phase of the
therapeutic relationship?
a. "Let's review the progress you've made in meeting your goals."
b. "I'd like to review your medication schedule with you."
c. "I need to document today's teaching session in the electronic health record."
,d. "Should we include your family in today's session?" *** a. The termination phase occurs when the
conclusion of the initial agreement is acknowledged. Discharge planning correlates with the termination
phase of a therapeutic relationship and the progress toward the patient's goals are reviewed.
A nursing student is nervous and concerned about working at a clinical facility. Which action would best
decrease anxiety and help ensure successful delivery of patient care?
a. Determining the established goals of the institution
b. Ensuring that verbal and nonverbal communication is congruent
c. Engaging in self-talk to plan the day and decrease fear
d. Speaking with fellow colleagues about how they feel *** c. By engaging in positive self-talk, or
intrapersonal communication, the nursing student can plan the day, decrease fear and anxiety, and
enhance clinical performance.
A nurse says to their nurse manager, "I need the day off, and you didn't give it to me!" The manager
replies, "I wasn't aware you needed the day off, and it isn't possible since staffing is inadequate." How
could the nurse best modify the communication for a more positive interaction?
a. "I placed a request to have 8th of August off for a doctor's appointment, but I'm scheduled to work."
b. "Could I make an appointment to discuss my schedule with you? I requested the 8th of August off for
a doctor's appointment."
c. "I will need to call in on the 8th of August because I have a doctor's appointment."
d. "Since you didn't give me the 8th of August off, will I need to find someone to work for me?" *** b.
Effective communication involves sending clear, nonthreatening, and respectful information to the
receiver. The nurse identifies the subject of the meeting and determines a mutually agreed upon time.
During a nursing staff meeting to discuss delayed documentation, the nurses unanimously agree that
they will ensure all vital signs are reported and charted within 15 minutes following assessments. This
decision is consistent with which characteristics of effective communication? Select all that apply.
a. Group decision making
b. Group leadership
c. Group power
, d. Group identity
e. Group patterns of interaction
f. Group cohesiveness *** a, d, e, f. Solving problems involves group decision making; ascertaining the
task is important and agreeing to complete the task on time is characteristic of group identity. Group
patterns of interaction involve honest communication and member support; cohesiveness occurs when
members generally trust each other, have a high commitment to the group, and a high degree of
cooperation. Group leadership occurs when groups use effective styles of leadership to meet goals; with
group power, sources of power are recognized and appropriately used to accomplish group outcomes.
A nurse notices a patient is walking to the bathroom with a stooped gait, facial grimacing, and grunting
sounds. Based on these nonverbal cues, what action will the nurse take next?
a. Assess for pain and the need for analgesia.
b. Ask the patient if they feel anxious.
c. Offer to sit with the patient and listen to their feelings.
d. Suggest the patient increase their fluid intake to prevent constipation. *** a. A patient who presents
with nonverbal communication of a stooped gait, facial grimacing, and grunting sounds is most likely
communicating pain. The nurse should clarify this nonverbal behavior.
A nursing student is preparing to administer morning care to a patient. What question by the student is
most important to ask?
a. "Would you prefer a bath or a shower?"
b. "May I help you with a bed bath now or later this morning?"
c. "I will be giving you your bath. Do you use soap or shower gel?"
d. "I prefer a shower in the evening. When would you like your bath?" *** b. The nurse should ask
permission to assist the patient with a bath. This allows for patient preferences and consent for care
that involves entering the patient's personal space.
A nurse enters a patient's room and finds them vomiting bright red blood. After taking vital signs, the
nurse communicates the event to the health care provider using the SBAR format. Which information
will the nurse include in the "A" portion of the SBAR communication?
Exhibit: Electronic health record (EHR)