Question 1

In which of the following examples is the nurse demonstrating empathy for the postoperative mastectomy patient?

Accepted Answer

By acknowledging that the patient is going through a difficult time, the nurse is demonstrating empathy towards the patient. Option A makes an assumption about the patient's feelings and Option B trivializes the patient's experience. Option D may be well-meaning, but it shifts the focus away from the patient and onto the nurse.

Question 2

A patient states, "The harder I try to get along with my son, the more I feel he just wants to be left alone," and the nurse responds, "I guess parents have to expect these problems as children get older." The nurse's response is an example of a communication breakdown known as

Accepted Answer

The answer of A patient states, "The harder I try...

Question 3

Context is one of the five major elements of communication identified by Ruesch. Which of the following is part of the context of communication?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Context is one of the five major...

Question 4

When a co-worker tells the nurse, "I am not sure I will be able to give the right answers in the job interview," the nurse replies, "I know what you mean. Interviews have always been a problem for me, too." This response can be evaluated as lacking

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response lacks appropriateness, as it does not provide support or encouragement to the co-worker, who may benefit from reassurance or advice on how to approach job interviews. Instead, the nurse's response may reinforce the co-worker's feelings of inadequacy and may not be helpful in addressing the co-worker's concerns.

Question 5

Which behaviors foster active listening? (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

Encouraging the speaker, sitting in an open posture, and maintaining good eye contact with nodding are behaviors that foster active listening by showing attentiveness and interest in the speaker.

Question 6

How would a nurse's use of the technique of reflection help a person?

Accepted Answer

Reflection is a technique that prompts the person to think through problems for themselves, encouraging them to come up with solutions and insights. It helps the individual gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their situation, leading to a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth. The other options are not necessarily related to reflection as a technique.

Question 7

A patient states, "The thing that scares me the most about surgery is the spinal anesthesia. I'm afraid it'll leave me paralyzed," and the nurse responds, "Everything will be fine. The anesthesiologists are very skilled in administering spinal anesthesia." The nurse's response is an example of a communication breakdown known as

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response of "Everything will be fine" provides false assurance and does not address the patient's concerns about the potential risks of spinal anesthesia. It is important for the nurse to acknowledge the patient's fears and offer accurate information and reassurance based on that individual's needs and level of understanding.

Question 8

Which of the following demonstrates giving information versus opinion?

Accepted Answer

Option A simply provides information on a technique that can be used during labor to make it easier. This is not an opinion.

Option B expresses a belief that may not be true for everyone.

Option C provides information and a recommendation for using the breathing technique.

Option D is an opinion and is not necessarily true for everyone.

Question 9

The nurse plans to teach a patient about the care of her mastectomy site. The nurse finds the patient crying. The best response by the nurse is,

Accepted Answer

The best response by the nurse would be to acknowledge the patient's emotions and ask if there is something on her mind that she would like to talk about. This shows empathy and a willingness to listen, which can help the patient feel supported and more comfortable discussing her concerns. Option A and D may be insensitive to the patient's emotional state, while B may be dismissive of her feelings.

Question 10

The patient says to the nurse, "The staff treats me like I'm a child. Everyone tells me what to do. No one ever asks my opinion. After all, it is my body." Which response by the nurse indicates active listening?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response in option D demonstrates active listening by reflecting the patient's feelings and summarizing the patient's concerns. The nurse also offers to discuss the issue with the staff to involve the patient in planning his or her care.

Question 11

A new mother says to the nurse, "It really hurts me to breastfeed. I think I should wean my baby." The nurse responds, "If I understand you, it hurts when you breastfeed. Tell me how and when it hurts." This response best represents which criterion of successful communication?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response shows the criterion of feedback as she is seeking clarification and understanding of the new mother's situation before giving any advice or suggestions.

Question 12

Within nurse-patient communication, the use of silence can

Accepted Answer

Silence can allow the patient to feel more comfortable and not pressured to provide information, which can lead to a more open and honest conversation between the nurse and patient. However, if used excessively or at inappropriate times, it may block further therapeutic communication. It may also demonstrate trust and give the nurse an opportunity to complete the patient's care, but these are not the primary benefits of using silence in nurse-patient communication.

Question 13

Which of the following examples illustrates the nurse's failure to use flexibility effectively in professional communication?

Accepted Answer

Continuing to follow a pre-planned agenda in a staff meeting when emotions are running high and staff members are upset demonstrates inflexibility and a lack of sensitivity to the current situation. It would be more appropriate to acknowledge the emotions and offer an opportunity for staff to discuss their feelings before proceeding with the agenda. The other options are examples of effective professional communication.

Question 14

A new mother says to the nurse, "It really hurts me to breastfeed. I think I should wean my baby." The most appropriate response by the nurse is,

Accepted Answer

The most appropriate response by the nurse is to ask the mother to explain how and when it hurts when she breastfeeds. This will allow the nurse to assess the situation and provide appropriate suggestions and support to the mother, including techniques to make breastfeeding more comfortable. The other options are not appropriate responses because they do not take into account the mother's concerns and needs. Option A may also be detrimental to the baby's health, as early weaning may deprive the infant of important nutrients and immune system benefits. Option C does not provide the mother with any guidance or education on the benefits of breastfeeding, which may be helpful in making an informed decision. Option D is not appropriate because it may cause the mother to feel guilty or inadequate, rather than empowered and supported.

Question 15

Using simple, clear words to explain the details of a colonoscopy procedure shows sensitivity to which successful communication criterion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using simple, clear words to explain the...

Question 16

Collaboration among health care professionals most importantly results in

Accepted Answer

Collaboration among health care professionals leads to positive patient outcomes as each professional brings their unique knowledge and skills to the table, resulting in better diagnosis, treatment, and care for the patient. It is ultimately the well-being of the patient that should be the focus of healthcare professionals. While developing esprit de corps and maintaining employee satisfaction are important, they should not take priority over patient care. Benefits to the organization may occur as a result of improved patient outcomes but should not be the primary focus.

Question 17

A 4-year-old child is going to have an abdominal x-ray examination. The child asks, "Why do they have to do this? Will it hurt?" Which of the following is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Accepted Answer

This response is the most appropriate because it provides information about why the x-ray is necessary, what the procedure will entail, and reassurance that it will not hurt. It also provides details about the environment and comfort measures that will be taken. Option A is too vague and may create more anxiety for the child. Option C may be too scary and intimidating for a 4-year-old, and Option D does not provide enough detail to fully answer the child's questions.

Question 18

Collaboration in health care settings involves

Accepted Answer

Collaboration in health care settings means that professionals recognize and respect each other's unique knowledge and abilities, and work together to provide the best possible care for patients. Education and individual accomplishments are important, but not essential elements of collaboration. A multitiered system hierarchy can hinder collaboration, as it may promote competition and a lack of cooperation between professionals.

Question 19

A new mother says, "My baby is being kept in the nursery. I'm really worried about him. I'm also worried that the separation will interfere with breastfeeding." The most appropriate response by the nurse is,

Accepted Answer

Option D acknowledges the mother's concerns and offers to help by seeking answers from the nursery staff, which demonstrates empathy and proactive problem-solving. Option B also offers reassurance and help, but it is more general and does not specifically address the mother's concerns about breastfeeding. Option A is dismissive and unhelpful, and option C is honest but does not offer any assistance.

Question 20

A nurse is irrigating pressure ulcers on a patient's coccyx. When the patient asks how they are healing, the nurse grimaces and says, "Oh, they're doing just fine." This is

Accepted Answer

The nurse's verbal message ("Oh, they're doing just fine") contradicts her nonverbal communication (grimacing while irrigating the pressure ulcers). This is an example of incongruence between verbal and nonverbal messages.

Quiz 9: Communication and Collaboration in Nursing