Question 1

During a psychoeducational group on assertiveness training,a client asks,"Why do we need to learn about this stuff?" Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

This response provides a clear and concise explanation of why assertiveness training is important. It emphasizes the need to balance standing up for oneself with respect for others' rights. The other options may come across as condescending (A) or inaccurate (C and D).

Question 2

An emergency department nurse,who has worked 10 straight days,is pulled to the psychiatric unit.Which of the emergency department nurse's statements represent a passive-aggressive response?

Accepted Answer

Statement B represents a passive-aggressive response because the nurse agrees to work the shift but intentionally leaves work undone as a way of expressing their frustration with the situation. The other statements either assert the nurse's needs (A and C) or express a willingness to help (D) without any hint of passive aggression.

Question 3

A nurse should assign which nursing diagnosis to a client needing assistance with assertiveness?

Accepted Answer

The nursing diagnosis of defensive coping is appropriate for a client needing assistance with assertiveness as they may be using defensive behavior as a coping mechanism. This diagnosis addresses the client's use of behavior that is meant to protect and defend against perceived threats, which could include avoiding assertiveness in communication. The other options, disturbed personal identity, disturbed thought processes, and impaired verbal communication, do not directly address the issue of assertiveness.

Question 4

A nurse has identified the following nursing diagnosis: "ineffective communication R/T lack of assertiveness skills AEB inability to state needs." Which statement encourages the client to acknowledge the priority of this problem?

Accepted Answer

This statement directly asks the client to evaluate and acknowledge the importance of assertiveness in their life, which is a step towards recognizing the priority of addressing the identified problem of ineffective communication related to lack of assertiveness skills.

Question 5

During an assertiveness training group,a nurse suggests using "I" statements.The group questions the usefulness of this communication technique.Which explanation by the nurse is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

"When 'I' statements are used, opinions are communicated without blaming others." This is the most accurate and appropriate explanation of the usefulness of "I" statements. It allows for effective communication of personal feelings and opinions without placing blame on others.

Question 6

Which is the best nursing reply when a client asks what the goal and benefit are of assertive skills training?

Accepted Answer

The best nursing reply is D because assertive skills training aims to improve communication skills, which can lead to better interpersonal relationships. It is not intended to protect the client from others, give expert information, or clarify misperceptions.

Question 7

The dean of nursing criticizes a faculty member about views on academic freedom.The faculty member states,"Are you upset because I believe in academic freedom or because you don't?" Which technique is the faculty member using to promote assertive behavior?

Accepted Answer

The faculty member is using the technique of "Inquiring assertively" by asking a question to clarify the dean's position or concern, rather than passively accepting the criticism or responding aggressively. This approach promotes open dialogue and understanding.

Question 8

A client on an inpatient unit is angry with a peer.During lunch,when the peer is not looking,the client spits into his soup.How would the nurse document this interaction?

Accepted Answer

The client's behavior can be considered as passive-aggressive because they are not directly confronting the peer and expressing their anger, but instead resorting to a covert action that is meant to harm them.

Question 9

A nursing supervisor is scheduling holiday hours.When the supervisor tells the staff nurse that she needs to work Christmas day,the staff nurse calmly states,"I worked last Christmas and will not work this Christmas." When the supervisor says "But I need you to work," the nurse repeats "I worked last Christmas and will not work this Christmas." This is an example of which assertive behavior technique?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using the assertive behavior technique of responding as a "broken record" by calmly repeating their position despite the supervisor's attempts to change it. This technique is effective in communicating one's needs and boundaries without becoming aggressive.

Question 10

An aggressive nurse manager tells a staff nurse that she has no business rallying staff to change the schedule.What would be an example of a technique that the staff nurse could use to stand up for her basic human rights?

Accepted Answer

This response assertively states the staff nurse's basic human right to express her opinion. It is not accusatory or confrontational, but rather establishes a boundary of individual rights. The other options may escalate the situation or appear disrespectful.

Question 11

Which of the following are behavioral components of assertive communication?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following are behavioral components...

Question 12

A client continually waits more than an hour before being seen at the mental health clinic.The client approaches the nurse and states,"When I have to wait for more than an hour to be seen,I feel like my time is not important." The nurse recognizes this as what type of behavior?

Accepted Answer

The client is expressing their needs and feelings in a direct and respectful manner, which is characteristic of assertive behavior. Aggressive behavior involves expressing needs in a threatening or confrontational manner, passive behavior involves not expressing needs at all, and passive-aggressive behavior involves expressing needs indirectly or in a manipulative way.

Question 13

Two clients get into an intense argument regarding TV program selections.The nurse turns off the TV and asks the clients to go to their rooms to cool off,and tells them they will discuss and attempt to resolve the problem afterward.Which assertive technique is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using the defusing technique by removing the source of conflict (the TV) and separating the clients to prevent the situation from escalating, planning to address the issue once emotions have cooled down.

Question 14

While trying to control aggressive behavior,a client asks an assertiveness training nurse to give an example of an "I" statement.Which of the following statements is the best example of this assertive communication technique?

Accepted Answer

"I" statements are a form of assertive communication that focuses on the speaker's feelings and experiences without blaming or accusing the other person. Option C, "I feel angry when you come home late without calling," directly expresses the speaker's feelings about the behavior in question, making it the best example of an "I" statement.

Question 15

Which best describes the nurse's use of assertive behavior?

Accepted Answer

Assertive behavior is characterized by being open and direct in communication, expressing opinions and needs without violating the rights of others. Option D best describes the nurse's use of assertive behavior since they are open and direct when asked to complete assignments. Options A, B, and C do not reflect assertive behavior.

Question 16

One nurse confronts another and says,"You are always so talkative in the meetings.I don't know why you can't stay quiet sometimes." Which reply by the other nurse reflects the technique of clouding or fogging?

Accepted Answer

Clouding or fogging involves agreeing with any truth in criticism without becoming defensive, which is what option A reflects by acknowledging the behavior without argument or further conflict.

Question 17

Two clients are roommates on an inpatient psychiatric unit.At breakfast,client A,who had been missing her gold locket,notices client B wearing it.Which does the nurse recognize as a nonassertive or passive behavioral response from client A?

Accepted Answer

Client A is not addressing the situation directly but instead noticing and ignoring it. This is an example of nonassertive or passive behavior.

Question 18

A teenager gets a C in algebra.The mother angrily states,"All you ever do is listen to music and text your friends." The teenager replies,"What is it that you're really upset about,mom?" Which response pattern is the teenager expressing?

Accepted Answer

The teenager is shifting the focus from the mother's angry statement to the underlying reason for her anger.

Question 19

A nursing instructor is teaching about assertive rights.Which student statement indicates a need for further instruction?

Accepted Answer

The right to always put oneself first is not an assertive right, as it implies being selfish and disregarding the needs of others. Assertiveness is about expressing oneself in a clear and respectful manner, while also considering the rights and feelings of others.

Question 20

During an assertiveness training group,a client admits to aggressive behaviors.The client asks for suggestions for how to become more assertive and less aggressive.Which is the most appropriate nursing reply?

Accepted Answer

Option D provides specific techniques that are often used in assertiveness training to promote assertive communication and decrease aggressive behaviors. Options A, B, and C are either not applicable or not supported by evidence in this scenario.

Quiz 14: Assertiveness Training