Rasmussen College MDC 2 Exam 1
Questions and Answers (2026/2027) - Verified Answers
NUR2392: Multidimensional Care II | NCLEX-RN Medical-Surgical Competencies
Section 1: Therapeutic Communication and Cultural Competence (Q1-25)
Q1: A nurse is caring for a patient who recently lost a family member. The nurse sits quietly,
maintains eye contact, and says, "I can see this is very difficult for you." Which therapeutic
communication technique is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Confrontation
B. Empathy **[CORRECT]**
C. Concreteness
D. Genuineness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Empathy involves the desire to understand and be sensitive to a patient's feelings, beliefs, and situation.
The nurse in this scenario acknowledges the patient's emotional pain and communicates understanding without
judgment. Confrontation is used to clarify messages, not to express understanding. Concreteness involves using
specific terms, and genuineness refers to responding truthfully, neither of which is the primary technique being
demonstrated here.
Q2: A nurse is working with a patient from a culture that considers direct eye contact
disrespectful. The nurse avoids prolonged eye contact during the assessment. Which concept best
describes the nurse's action?
A. Cultural imposition
B. Ethnocentrism
C. Cultural awareness **[CORRECT]**
D. Cultural blindness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural awareness involves recognizing and respecting cultural preferences related to eye contact,
personal space, and touch. The nurse adapts their behavior to honor the patient's cultural norms. Cultural imposition
would involve forcing one's own beliefs on the patient, and ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is
superior. Cultural blindness ignores differences entirely, which is the opposite of what the nurse is doing.
,Q3: A nursing student tells a patient, "You really should listen to the doctor because the doctor
knows what is best for you." Which behavior is the student demonstrating?
A. Concreteness
B. Cultural competence
C. Cultural imposition **[CORRECT]**
D. Genuineness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural imposition occurs when a healthcare provider believes that everyone should conform to their own
belief system or the dominant medical culture. The student is dismissing the patient's autonomy and cultural
preferences by insisting the doctor's approach is best. Cultural competence would involve exploring the patient's
beliefs and incorporating them into the care plan. Concreteness and genuineness are therapeutic techniques
unrelated to imposing values.
Q4: A patient states, "I am not sure what the doctor meant when they said my labs were
concerning." The nurse responds, "Can you tell me more about what the doctor said and which
part was confusing?" Which technique is the nurse using?
A. Concreteness **[CORRECT]**
B. Empathy
C. Confrontation
D. Respect
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Concreteness is the ability to respond using specific terms and to help the patient be specific about their
concerns. The nurse is asking the patient to clarify exactly what was said and what was confusing, promoting clear
and specific communication. Empathy involves understanding feelings, confrontation clarifies the message received,
and respect involves valuing the patient's unique needs and preferences.
Q5: A nurse recognizes that a patient's belief in using herbal remedies alongside prescribed
medications is important to the patient. The nurse incorporates this into the plan of care while
ensuring safety. Which type of health belief system does this patient most likely follow?
A. Scientific
B. Magico-religious
C. Holistic **[CORRECT]**
D. Biomedical
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The holistic health belief system emphasizes the need for harmony and balance of the body with nature,
which often includes complementary therapies such as herbal remedies, yoga, and meditation. The scientific health
belief system focuses on hospitals, clinics, and medications. The magico-religious system involves supernatural
forces and rituals. The biomedical system is synonymous with the scientific approach.
,Q6: During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, what is the primary goal of the
nurse?
A. Implementing the treatment plan
B. Establishing rapport and trust through verbal and nonverbal communication **[CORRECT]**
C. Evaluating patient outcomes
D. Providing discharge teaching
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial phase of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, during which the
primary goal is to establish rapport and build trust through both verbal and nonverbal communication. This phase sets
the foundation for all subsequent interactions. Implementing treatment plans, evaluating outcomes, and providing
discharge teaching occur in later phases of the relationship.
Q7: A nurse says to a patient, "I noticed you have not been taking your medication as prescribed.
Can we talk about what might be getting in the way?" Which therapeutic technique is the nurse
using?
A. Empathy
B. Confrontation **[CORRECT]**
C. Respect
D. Genuineness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Confrontation in therapeutic communication is used to clarify the message received or to decode the
actual meaning behind a patient's behavior. The nurse is gently addressing the discrepancy between the prescribed
medication regimen and the patient's actual behavior, opening a dialogue to explore barriers. This is not aggressive
confrontation but rather a therapeutic technique to promote understanding and problem-solving.
Q8: A nurse is caring for a patient who immigrated to the United States two years ago and has
gradually adopted American dietary habits while maintaining traditional cultural practices. Which
process best describes this?
A. Socialization
B. Acculturation **[CORRECT]**
C. Culture shock
D. Ethnocentrism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acculturation is the learning process through which immigrants assume characteristics of the new culture
while potentially maintaining elements of their original culture. This patient has adopted some American habits
(dietary changes) while keeping traditional practices, which is a classic example of acculturation. Socialization is
learning to become a member of a society generally, culture shock involves feelings of disorientation in a new culture,
and ethnocentrism is the belief in cultural superiority.
, Q9: A patient tells the nurse, "I believe my illness is a result of negative energy disrupting my
body's balance." The nurse responds nonjudgmentally and asks how the patient typically restores
this balance. Which concept is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Cultural imposition
B. Culture shock
C. Cultural competence **[CORRECT]**
D. Cultural blindness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural competence is the initiative to provide care to everyone with the goal of eliminating any disparities
in care. The nurse responds nonjudgmentally to the patient's belief system and seeks to understand their perspective,
which is the essence of culturally competent care. Cultural imposition would involve dismissing the belief, and cultural
blindness would ignore the cultural significance altogether.
Q10: Which definition best describes the concept of "culture" in nursing practice?
A. The biological and genetic differences between racial groups
B. Socially transmitted behaviors, arts, beliefs, values, customs, lifeways, and other characteristics that
guide decision-making **[CORRECT]**
C. The process of learning to become a member of a specific healthcare organization
D. A set of scientific principles used to diagnose and treat disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Culture is defined as socially transmitted behaviors, arts, beliefs, values, customs, lifeways, and other
characteristics that guide decision-making. It provides identity and a sense of belonging, includes both material
(clothing, art) and non-material (language, beliefs) elements, and is dynamic, complex, diverse, and adaptive.
Biological variations refer to genetic differences, socialization is the process of learning group membership, and
scientific principles are not the definition of culture.
Q11: A nurse is conducting an admission assessment and asks a patient, "Are you in pain right
now?" Which type of question is the nurse using?
A. Open-ended question
B. Closed-ended question **[CORRECT]**
C. Confrontational question
D. Reflective question
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Closed-ended questions limit the patient's choices and typically elicit yes-or-no responses. Asking "Are
you in pain right now?" restricts the answer to a simple affirmative or negative. Open-ended questions, such as "Tell
me about your pain," allow a wide variety of responses and encourage the patient to share more detailed information,
which is generally preferred in therapeutic communication.
Questions and Answers (2026/2027) - Verified Answers
NUR2392: Multidimensional Care II | NCLEX-RN Medical-Surgical Competencies
Section 1: Therapeutic Communication and Cultural Competence (Q1-25)
Q1: A nurse is caring for a patient who recently lost a family member. The nurse sits quietly,
maintains eye contact, and says, "I can see this is very difficult for you." Which therapeutic
communication technique is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Confrontation
B. Empathy **[CORRECT]**
C. Concreteness
D. Genuineness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Empathy involves the desire to understand and be sensitive to a patient's feelings, beliefs, and situation.
The nurse in this scenario acknowledges the patient's emotional pain and communicates understanding without
judgment. Confrontation is used to clarify messages, not to express understanding. Concreteness involves using
specific terms, and genuineness refers to responding truthfully, neither of which is the primary technique being
demonstrated here.
Q2: A nurse is working with a patient from a culture that considers direct eye contact
disrespectful. The nurse avoids prolonged eye contact during the assessment. Which concept best
describes the nurse's action?
A. Cultural imposition
B. Ethnocentrism
C. Cultural awareness **[CORRECT]**
D. Cultural blindness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural awareness involves recognizing and respecting cultural preferences related to eye contact,
personal space, and touch. The nurse adapts their behavior to honor the patient's cultural norms. Cultural imposition
would involve forcing one's own beliefs on the patient, and ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is
superior. Cultural blindness ignores differences entirely, which is the opposite of what the nurse is doing.
,Q3: A nursing student tells a patient, "You really should listen to the doctor because the doctor
knows what is best for you." Which behavior is the student demonstrating?
A. Concreteness
B. Cultural competence
C. Cultural imposition **[CORRECT]**
D. Genuineness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural imposition occurs when a healthcare provider believes that everyone should conform to their own
belief system or the dominant medical culture. The student is dismissing the patient's autonomy and cultural
preferences by insisting the doctor's approach is best. Cultural competence would involve exploring the patient's
beliefs and incorporating them into the care plan. Concreteness and genuineness are therapeutic techniques
unrelated to imposing values.
Q4: A patient states, "I am not sure what the doctor meant when they said my labs were
concerning." The nurse responds, "Can you tell me more about what the doctor said and which
part was confusing?" Which technique is the nurse using?
A. Concreteness **[CORRECT]**
B. Empathy
C. Confrontation
D. Respect
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Concreteness is the ability to respond using specific terms and to help the patient be specific about their
concerns. The nurse is asking the patient to clarify exactly what was said and what was confusing, promoting clear
and specific communication. Empathy involves understanding feelings, confrontation clarifies the message received,
and respect involves valuing the patient's unique needs and preferences.
Q5: A nurse recognizes that a patient's belief in using herbal remedies alongside prescribed
medications is important to the patient. The nurse incorporates this into the plan of care while
ensuring safety. Which type of health belief system does this patient most likely follow?
A. Scientific
B. Magico-religious
C. Holistic **[CORRECT]**
D. Biomedical
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The holistic health belief system emphasizes the need for harmony and balance of the body with nature,
which often includes complementary therapies such as herbal remedies, yoga, and meditation. The scientific health
belief system focuses on hospitals, clinics, and medications. The magico-religious system involves supernatural
forces and rituals. The biomedical system is synonymous with the scientific approach.
,Q6: During the orientation phase of the nurse-patient relationship, what is the primary goal of the
nurse?
A. Implementing the treatment plan
B. Establishing rapport and trust through verbal and nonverbal communication **[CORRECT]**
C. Evaluating patient outcomes
D. Providing discharge teaching
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The orientation phase is the initial phase of the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, during which the
primary goal is to establish rapport and build trust through both verbal and nonverbal communication. This phase sets
the foundation for all subsequent interactions. Implementing treatment plans, evaluating outcomes, and providing
discharge teaching occur in later phases of the relationship.
Q7: A nurse says to a patient, "I noticed you have not been taking your medication as prescribed.
Can we talk about what might be getting in the way?" Which therapeutic technique is the nurse
using?
A. Empathy
B. Confrontation **[CORRECT]**
C. Respect
D. Genuineness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Confrontation in therapeutic communication is used to clarify the message received or to decode the
actual meaning behind a patient's behavior. The nurse is gently addressing the discrepancy between the prescribed
medication regimen and the patient's actual behavior, opening a dialogue to explore barriers. This is not aggressive
confrontation but rather a therapeutic technique to promote understanding and problem-solving.
Q8: A nurse is caring for a patient who immigrated to the United States two years ago and has
gradually adopted American dietary habits while maintaining traditional cultural practices. Which
process best describes this?
A. Socialization
B. Acculturation **[CORRECT]**
C. Culture shock
D. Ethnocentrism
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acculturation is the learning process through which immigrants assume characteristics of the new culture
while potentially maintaining elements of their original culture. This patient has adopted some American habits
(dietary changes) while keeping traditional practices, which is a classic example of acculturation. Socialization is
learning to become a member of a society generally, culture shock involves feelings of disorientation in a new culture,
and ethnocentrism is the belief in cultural superiority.
, Q9: A patient tells the nurse, "I believe my illness is a result of negative energy disrupting my
body's balance." The nurse responds nonjudgmentally and asks how the patient typically restores
this balance. Which concept is the nurse demonstrating?
A. Cultural imposition
B. Culture shock
C. Cultural competence **[CORRECT]**
D. Cultural blindness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cultural competence is the initiative to provide care to everyone with the goal of eliminating any disparities
in care. The nurse responds nonjudgmentally to the patient's belief system and seeks to understand their perspective,
which is the essence of culturally competent care. Cultural imposition would involve dismissing the belief, and cultural
blindness would ignore the cultural significance altogether.
Q10: Which definition best describes the concept of "culture" in nursing practice?
A. The biological and genetic differences between racial groups
B. Socially transmitted behaviors, arts, beliefs, values, customs, lifeways, and other characteristics that
guide decision-making **[CORRECT]**
C. The process of learning to become a member of a specific healthcare organization
D. A set of scientific principles used to diagnose and treat disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Culture is defined as socially transmitted behaviors, arts, beliefs, values, customs, lifeways, and other
characteristics that guide decision-making. It provides identity and a sense of belonging, includes both material
(clothing, art) and non-material (language, beliefs) elements, and is dynamic, complex, diverse, and adaptive.
Biological variations refer to genetic differences, socialization is the process of learning group membership, and
scientific principles are not the definition of culture.
Q11: A nurse is conducting an admission assessment and asks a patient, "Are you in pain right
now?" Which type of question is the nurse using?
A. Open-ended question
B. Closed-ended question **[CORRECT]**
C. Confrontational question
D. Reflective question
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Closed-ended questions limit the patient's choices and typically elicit yes-or-no responses. Asking "Are
you in pain right now?" restricts the answer to a simple affirmative or negative. Open-ended questions, such as "Tell
me about your pain," allow a wide variety of responses and encourage the patient to share more detailed information,
which is generally preferred in therapeutic communication.
