Communication Questions

COMMUNICATION QUESTIONS WITH 100% CORRECT ANSWERS A hospitalized patient experiences a sharp, stabbing pain while visiting with his spouse. Both the patient and his wife become very concerned, and the patient's call light is activated. What referent initiated the communication between the patient and the nurse? a. Interaction between the patient and his wife b. Concern on the part of the patient's spouse c. Pain experienced by the patient d. Activation of the call light - correct answer c (rationale: Pain is the referent that initiated the communication process. The interaction between the patient and his wife was the result of the patient's pain, as was the concern of the patient's spouse. The call light could be considered a channel through which the patient's interaction with the nurse began.) Which factors influence whether a message is effectively communicated? (Select all that apply.) a. Timing of the conversation b. Educational level of participants c. Mode of communication used d. Physical environment of discussion - correct answer a, b, c, d (rationale: Timing of a conversation dramatically influences the receptivity of the receiver. The educational level of those seeking to communicate has an impact on the type of language and technical terminology that can be used in conversation. Using more than one mode of communication can enhance the effectiveness of a message. Making sure the environment is devoid of excess noise and distraction can facilitate a greater understanding of shared information.) If a patient is grimacing, what assessment statement or question would be most beneficial in identifying the underlying cause of the nonverbal communication? a. "Did you lose something?" b. "You appear to be having pain." c. "I will turn off the lights and let you rest." d. "May I get you something to relieve your tension?" - correct answer b (rationale: Grimacing is a common nonverbal sign of pain. Sharing an observation encourages the patient to elaborate on nonverbal communication. Asking the patient whether something is lost indicates that the nurse has not attended to the nonverbal cues of the patient. It is important to do an assessment of the patient before initiating any interventions.) What action by the nurse would most ensure accurate interpretation of patient communication? a. Providing feedback regarding the conveyed message b. Writing down the patient's conversational highlights c. Assuming significant cultural differences exist d. Verifying the patient's emotional state - correct answer a (rationale: Feedback is the most effective way to avoid misinterpretation of a message. It helps ensure that the message sent is perceived by the receiver in a way that is consistent with the intention of the sender. Writing down conversational highlights is a form of documentation that can still be misinterpreted unless feedback is sought. Avoid making assumptions regarding cultural differences. Verifying a patient's emotional state provides insight into a patient's state of mind, but it does not ensure accurate interpretation of a conversation.) If a patient's verbal and nonverbal communications are inconsistent, which form of communication is most likely to convey the true feelings of the patient? a. Written notes b. Facial expressions c. Implied inferences d. Spoken words - correct answer b (rationale: Nonverbal communication is the more accurate mode of conveying feelings. When a patient's verbal and nonverbal cues are incongruent, it is important to explore observations made by the nurse to discern the true feelings of the patient. Written notes, implied inferences, and spoken words do not provide the opportunity for observing nonverbal cues.) What strategy would be most effective in communicating with a highly anxious adult immediately before surgery? a. Providing specific, concise instructions b. Detailing likely causes of the patient's anxiety c. Focusing on postoperative details d. Using instructional multimedia DVDs - correct answer a (rationale: Only essential information supplied in short, succinct sentences can be comprehended by adults who are extremely anxious. The source of this patient's anxiety is already stated to be the surgery; thus, the nurse need not elaborate on it. Postoperative teaching is best completed well in advance of surgery and reinforced after completion of the procedure. Multimedia DVDs are not effective teaching tools immediately before surgery. They may be helpful for a patient to watch at least 24 hours before a scheduled procedure to allow time for elaboration on topics not totally understood by the patient. Nurses must always check with the patient to verify that critical information is understood regardless of what form of communication has been used.) What is the first action the nurse should take if an alert and oriented patient asks the nurse for personal contact information? a. Ask the patient why the personal information is needed. b. Report the interaction to the nursing supervisor immediately. c. State that it would not be appropriate to share that information. d. Change the subject and hope that the patient does not ask again. - correct answer c (It is important for the nurse to immediately communicate that sharing personal contact information with patients is inappropriate and violates professional role boundaries. Asking "why" questions and changing the subject are nontherapeutic. Neither action will discourage the patient from further infringing on the nurse's personal right to privacy. Reporting the interaction to a supervisor may be helpful for preventing other nurses from experiencing similar requests; however, the first action taken by the nurse should be to maintain professional role boundaries.) What would be the best therapeutic response to a patient who expresses indecision about recommended chemotherapy treatments? a. "Can you tell me why you are undecided?" b. "It's always a good idea to have chemotherapy." c. "What are you thinking about the treatments at this point?" d. "You should follow whatever your health care provider recommends." - correct answer c (rationale: Asking open-ended questions allows patients to share freely on a subject. "Why" questions, using closed-ended questions, and giving advice are all nontherapeutic communication techniques that limit patient reflection and sharing on topics of concern.) Which statement is most accurate regarding symbolic expression? a. Skills confidence can be shared most effectively by nurses through wearing distinctive clothing. b. Clothing choices by a hospitalized patient rarely reflects the patient's economic resources. c. Make-up use by a patient is unnecessary for any reason during hospitalization. d. Nondramatic make-up use and minimal accessorizing by nurses demonstrates professionalism. - correct answer d (rationale: Nurses demonstrate professionalism by adhering to institutional dress codes that require minimal accessorizing and cosmetic use. Wearing distinctive clothing is not linked to skills confidence. Clothing choices often reflect the economic resources of an individual, and make-up use by a hospitalized patient is a personal preference that should be honored.) Which defense mechanism is being exhibited when a 27-year-old patient insists on having a parent present during routine care? a. Denial b. Regression c. Repression d. Displacement - correct answer b (rationale: Young adults who require their parents' presence for routine care are exhibiting regression, which is behavior consistent with earlier stages of development. Patients in denial refuse to see the reality of their situation. Repression is storing painful feelings in the unconscious, causing them to be temporarily forgotten. Displacement transfers emotional energy away from the actual source of stress to an unrelated object or person.) The nurse is caring for an adult patient with a recent below-the-knee amputation. During