Question 1

When comparing therapeutic communication with social communication,the professional nurse realizes that therapeutic communication

Accepted Answer

Therapeutic communication is specifically designed to focus on the patient's needs and goals, making it patient-centered and goal-directed, unlike social communication which may involve mutual sharing and personal disclosure.

Question 2

The nurse is assessing a patient who says that she is feeling fine.The patient,however,is wringing her hands and is teary eyed.The nurse should respond to the patient in which of the following ways?

Accepted Answer

The patient is exhibiting nonverbal cues that do not match their statement of feeling fine. The nurse should address these cues and offer an opportunity for the patient to express any concerns or anxieties they may have. Asking about the patient's thoughts and feelings is an open-ended question that allows the patient to provide more information about what may be bothering them.

Question 3

The nurse is about to go over the patient's preoperative teaching per hospital protocol.She finds the patient sitting in bed wringing her hands,which are sweaty,and acting slightly agitated.The patient states,"I'm scared that something will go wrong tomorrow." How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should address the patient's anxiety first to ensure she is calm and receptive to the preoperative teaching.

Question 4

Directing the conversation back to patient ideas,feelings,questions,or content is known as ___________________.

Accepted Answer

Reflection involves directing the conversation back to the patient's ideas, feelings, questions, or content, allowing them to explore their thoughts and emotions more deeply.

Question 5

A patient tells the nurse,"I think that I must be really sick.All of these tests are being done." Which response by the nurse uses the specific communication technique of reflection?

Accepted Answer

Reflection involves mirroring the patient's words back to them in a non-judgmental way to convey understanding and empathy. Choice C is an example of reflection because the nurse is restating the patient's concern about their health and the reason they feel that way. Choice A is a paraphrase and does not capture the patient's words exactly. Choice B suggests moving on to a different topic and does not address the patient's concern. Choice D is a vague statement that does not reflect the patient's words specifically.

Question 6

The patient is sitting at the bedside.He has not been eating and is just staring out of the window.The nurse approaches the patient and asks,"What are you thinking about?" What type of communication technique is this?

Accepted Answer

This is an example of a broad opening, which is an open-ended statement or question that allows the patient to express their thoughts or feelings without being limited by a specific topic. The nurse is not restating, clarifying or reflecting on any specific information.

Question 7

The patient is admitted to the emergency department for trauma received in a fist fight.He states that he could not control himself.He says that his wife left him for another man.He thinks it was because he was always too tired after working to do things.He says he has to work,and there is nothing he could do to change things.He says that he feels trapped in his job,but he knows nothing else.What could the altercation with the other man be a manifestation of?

Accepted Answer

The altercation could be a manifestation of depression, as the patient expresses feelings of being trapped, helplessness, and a lack of control over his life, which are common symptoms of depression.

Question 8

The nurse is preparing to give an intramuscular injection to the patient in room 320.The unregulated care provider (UCP)comes to the medication room and tells the nurse that the patient in room 316 is very angry with his roommate and is threatening to hit him.How should the nurse respond?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should prioritize the safety of all patients. Moving the angry patient's roommate to another location can help de-escalate the situation and prevent potential harm while the nurse attends to the situation.

Question 9

The patient states,"I don't know what my family will think about this." The nurse wishes to use the communication technique of clarification.Which of the following statements would fit that need best?

Accepted Answer

Using the clarification technique involves restating or paraphrasing what the patient has said to ensure that the nurse has understood correctly. Option B is a restatement of what the patient said, indicating that the nurse is seeking further clarification. Option A is a closed-ended question that does not encourage further elaboration. Option C is a leading statement that may not address the patient's concerns. Option D assumes the patient's emotions and may not reflect the patient's true feelings.

Question 10

The patient is talking about his fear of having surgery but is being vague and is using a lot of jargon.The nurse states,"I'm not sure what you mean.Could you tell me again?" This is an example of __________________.

Accepted Answer

The nurse is seeking clarification by asking the patient to explain their thoughts again, which helps ensure understanding.

Question 11

An active process of receiving information that nonverbally communicates to the patient the nurse's interest and acceptance is classified as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Listening is an active process of receiving information that nonverbally communicates to the patient the nurse's interest and acceptance.

Question 12

The patient is an older person who had hip surgery 3 days ago.He states that his hip hurts,but he does not like how the medicine makes him feel.He believes that he can tolerate the pain better than he can tolerate the medication.What would be the best response from the nurse?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should acknowledge the patient's concerns and offer to involve the doctor to adjust the medication, ensuring effective pain management while minimizing side effects.

Question 13

Which behaviour should the nurse who is communicating with a potentially violent patient employ?

Accepted Answer

Using slow, deliberate gestures can help in calming the patient and reducing the risk of escalating the situation.

Question 14

The patient is an older person who was brought to the hospital from an assisted-living community with complaints of anorexia and general malaise.The nurse at the assisted-living community reported that the patient was very ritualistic in his behaviour and fastidious in his dress and always took a shower in the evening before bed.The patient became very angry and upset when the patient care technician asked him to take his bath in the morning.What does this behaviour tell the nurse?

Accepted Answer

The patient's anger and upset behavior suggest anxiety due to a disruption in his established rituals and routines, which are important to him.

Question 15

The patient is a 54-year-old man who has made a living as a construction worker.He dropped out of high school at age 16 and has been a laborer ever since.He never saw any need for "book learning" and has lived his life "my way" since he was a teenacger.He has smoked a pack of cigarettes a day for 40 years and follows no special diet,eating a lot of "fast food" while on the job.He now is admitted to the coronary care unit for complaints of chest pain and is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization in the morning.Which of the following would be the best way for the nurse to explain why he needs the procedure?

Accepted Answer

The explanation in choice B is straightforward and uses simple language that is likely to be understood by the patient, considering his background and education level.

Question 16

The patient is admitted to the hospital with complaints of headache,nausea,and dizziness.She states that she has a final exam in the morning and needs to do well on it to pass the course,but she can't seem to get into it.She appears nervous and distracted and is unable to recall details.She most likely is showing manifestations of _____ anxiety.

Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of headache, nausea, dizziness, nervousness, distraction, and inability to recall details suggest severe anxiety, which significantly impairs her ability to function and concentrate.

Question 17

The nurse is attempting to teach the patient and his family about his care after discharge.The patient and the family demonstrate signs of anxiety during the teaching session.The nurse should consider doing what?

Accepted Answer

Remember that patients and their family members who are under stress often require repeated explanations.Increasing gestures and pictures is additional stimulation that may increase anxiety.Physical complaints should be acknowledged,but dwelling on them can also increase the patient's anxiety.Involving another staff member would cause a break in the continuity of care.

Question 18

The nurse is explaining a procedure to a 2-year-old child.Which is the best approach to use?

Accepted Answer

Using dolls and stories to demonstrate what will be done is the best approach for explaining a procedure to a 2-year-old child. This approach uses visual aids and storytelling, which helps the child to understand the procedure better and reduce anxiety or fear. Showing the needles and bandages in advance or telling the patient exactly what discomfort to expect may increase fear or anxiety. Asking the child to draw pictures of what he or she thinks will happen may not be effective, as the child may not have a clear understanding of the procedure.

Question 19

Nonverbal communication incorporates messages conveyed by

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal communication describes all behaviors that convey messages without the use of words.This type of communication includes body movement,physical appearance,personal space,and touch.Cadence,tone quality,and the use of jargon are all part of verbal communication.

Question 20

A patient tells the nurse,"I want to die." Which response is the most appropriate for the nurse to make?

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate response in this situation is for the nurse to encourage the patient to talk more about their feelings, which can help the patient feel heard and understood. This can also provide the nurse with a better understanding of the patient's situation and needs. The other options do not address the patient's statement in a meaningful way and may even be perceived as dismissive or unhelpful.

Quiz 3: Communication and Collaboration