Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient who has end-stage renal disease and will require dialysis three times per week. The patient states, "I'm upset that I didn't visit all the places I'd like to see. Now that I'm on dialysis, I won't be able to." The most therapeutic response by the nurse is:
A) "You are upset that it's too late to visit places that you would like to see?"
B) "There are many people who feel exactly the same as you do."
C) "Don't worry. You can still visit all of the places that you would like to see."
D) "I think you should visit the places you would like to see before it's too late."

Accepted Answer

Option A is the best choice as it reflects active listening and empathy towards the patient's feelings. The nurse is acknowledging and summarizing the patient's concerns, which can help the patient feel heard and validated. Options B and C do not acknowledge the patient's feelings, while Option D may come across as directive and dismissive of the patient's situation.

Question 2

While obtaining a patient health history, a nurse recognizes that the personal space-distance zone that he or she is in when standing within 3 feet of the patient is
A) Public.
B) Intimate.
C) Casual-personal.
D) Social-consultative.

Accepted Answer

The casual-personal space-distance zone typically ranges from 18 inches to 4 feet, which is the distance a person usually stands from others in casual, personal conversations, including interactions like those between a nurse and a patient. This zone allows for personal discussion while maintaining a comfortable space for most individuals.

Question 3

While bathing a patient, a nurse recognizes that the personal space-distance zone that he or she is in when physically touching the patient is
A) Public.
B) Intimate.
C) Casual-personal.
D) Social-consultative.

Accepted Answer

Intimate zone is defined as the distance at which one person touches another, usually reserved for those with whom one has an intimate relationship, such as a spouse or close family member. In this scenario, the nurse is physically touching the patient while bathing them, which falls under the intimate zone.

Question 4

When teaching, a nursing instructor stands 15 feet from the class of nursing students. The personal space-distance zone that the nursing instructor is in is
A) Public.
B) Intimate.
C) Casual-personal.
D) Social-consultative.

Accepted Answer

The public space-distance zone typically starts at about 12 feet from a person and extends outward, which is the zone the nursing instructor is in when standing 15 feet from the class.

Question 5

When interacting with a physician, a nurse recognizes that the personal space-distance zone that he or she is in when standing within 5 feet of the physician is
A) Public.
B) Intimate.
C) Casual-personal.
D) Social-consultative.

Accepted Answer

The social-consultative distance zone is typically between 4 and 12 feet and is appropriate for most professional interactions, such as between a nurse and physician. This distance allows for comfortable conversation and exchange of information but still maintains a level of professional detachment. The other options are not appropriate for this type of interaction.

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a patient who requires assistance with feeding. The nurse delegates this task to the certified nursing assistant (CNA). This type of communication is called
A) Upward.
B) Bilateral.
C) Horizontal.
D) Downward.

Accepted Answer

Delegating a task from a nurse to a certified nursing assistant is an example of downward communication, where authority or responsibility is transferred from higher levels to lower levels in the organization.

Question 7

A nurse is conducting a type of interview that is structured and conducted to find out specific information by using close-ended questions to request specific data from a patient. This type of interview is known as a
A) Directive interview.
B) Passive interview.
C) Nondirective interview.
D) Aggressive interview.

Accepted Answer

A structured interview with close-ended questions is known as a directive interview. This type of interview is useful when specific information is required from the patient, and the questions are designed to elicit only that information. The other options, such as passive, aggressive, or nondirective interviews, do not fit this description.

Question 8

A nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted to the hospital for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) resulting in difficulty understanding speech. The nurse recognizes that the patient is experiencing
A) Receptive aphasia.
B) Expressive aphasia.
C) Receptive dysphagia.
D) Expressive dysphagia.

Accepted Answer

Receptive aphasia is also known as Wernicke's aphasia or fluent aphasia. It occurs when there is damage to the sensory language area of the brain, resulting in difficulty understanding speech but the ability to produce speech that doesn't make sense. This type of aphasia is commonly seen in patients who have suffered a CVA. Therefore, the patient in the question is most likely experiencing receptive aphasia.

Question 9

An instructor is teaching students about anger and hostility in communication. The instructor explains that the by-product of anger projected outward toward others is
A) Guilt.
B) Conflict.
C) Sarcasm.
D) Resentment.

Accepted Answer

Anger and hostility projected outward toward others often leads to conflict, as the individual is expressing strong negative emotions that can provoke a defensive reaction in others. Guilt, sarcasm, and resentment may also arise as a result, but conflict is the most direct outcome of projecting anger onto others.

Question 10

A nursing instructor teaches a class of student nurses that the most effective communication style for nurses to practice is
A) Passive.
B) Avoidant.
C) Assertive.
D) Aggressive.

Accepted Answer

Assertive communication is the most effective communication style for nurses to practice. It involves expressing oneself in a clear and direct manner while respecting the rights and feelings of others. This approach promotes collaboration and problem-solving, which is essential in the healthcare setting. Passive communication can lead to difficulty in advocating for patients, while aggressive communication can lead to conflict and negative outcomes. Avoidant communication avoids the issue altogether, which can also lead to negative consequences.

Question 11

A patient who appears to be in pain does not ask the nurse for pain medication because he feels it would upset the nurse. The style of communication that the patient is demonstrating is
A) Passive.
B) Assertive.
C) Aggressive.
D) Demeaning.

Accepted Answer

The patient is demonstrating passive communication by not expressing their needs because they fear that it may upset the nurse.

Question 12

A patient throws his urinal at the nurse and tells the nurse that he thinks she is terrible at her job. The nurse informs the patient that his behavior is inappropriate. The style of communication that the nurse is demonstrating is
A) Passive.
B) Assertive.
C) Aggressive.
D) Demeaning.

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using an assertive style of communication by addressing the patient's inappropriate behavior while maintaining respect for the patient. The other choices are not applicable as the nurse is not avoiding the situation (passive), attacking the patient (aggressive), or belittling the patient (demeaning).

Question 13

When interacting with patients, a nurse demonstrates a willingness to communicate by
A) Standing over seated patients.
B) Slumping while talking to patients.
C) Folding arms while talking to patients.
D) Leaning slightly forward toward patients.

Accepted Answer

Leaning slightly forward toward patients indicates attentiveness and interest in what the patient is saying, facilitating effective communication. Standing over seated patients or slumping while talking to patients can be intimidating or appear disinterested, while folding arms can convey defensiveness or detachment.

Question 14

For nurses to be able to give care to patients, they must quickly establish a trusting relationship with them. Nurses can establish a trusting relationship with their patients by
A) Conveying that they are confident and competent when providing care.
B) Communicating that they are approachable and ready to listen.
C) Communicating empathy to their patients.
D) All of the above.

Accepted Answer

All of the above choices are important in establishing a trusting relationship between nurses and their patients. Nurses should show confidence and competence in their care, be approachable and ready to listen to their patients, and communicate empathy towards their patients' situations.

Question 15

A nurse observes a student nurse caring for a hearing-impaired patient. The nurse will intervene if the student nurse
A) Speaks clearly without shouting.
B) Speaks directly to the patient's interpreter.
C) Positions himself or herself in front of the patient when speaking.
D) Turns down the radio volume when speaking to the patient.

Accepted Answer

Speaking directly to the patient's interpreter instead of the patient can make the patient feel ignored or marginalized. It's important to engage directly with the patient, even when an interpreter is used, to show respect and ensure the patient is involved in their own care.

Question 16

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The patient asks the nurse if she should choose to have surgery. The nurse's most therapeutic response is:
A) "Tell me what you know about the surgery."
B) "I would never decide against having surgery."
C) "If I were you, I would definitely have the surgery."
D) "Don't worry. You will be fine if you don't have surgery."

Accepted Answer

The most therapeutic response is one that allows the patient to express their thoughts and concerns while providing them with information to make an informed decision. Choice (A) allows the nurse to assess the patient's knowledge while providing an opportunity for the patient to ask further questions. The other options do not address the patient's concerns or provide helpful information.

Question 17

A nurse uses the DESC (Describe, Explain, State, Consequences) communication method to promote the
A) Passive style.
B) Aggressive style.
C) Assertive style.
D) Avoidant style.

Accepted Answer

The DESC communication method promotes assertive communication by encouraging individuals to describe the situation, explain their feelings, state their expectations, and discuss the consequences or potential solutions. This style helps individuals communicate effectively while maintaining a respectful and professional tone.

Question 18

A nurse is caring for a patient who develops dyspnea that does not improve with oxygen therapy and nebulizer treatment. The nurse immediately calls the patient's primary health-care provider. This type of communication is called
A) Upward.
B) Bilateral.
C) Horizontal.
D) Downward.

Accepted Answer

Upward communication refers to communication that flows from a lower-level employee to a higher-level employee, such as a nurse calling a primary health-care provider. This type of communication is necessary for sharing important patient information and obtaining orders for appropriate treatment.

Question 19

A nurse recognizes that to effectively meet the goal of shared meaning in communication, verbal and nonverbal language should be
A) Absent.
B) Congruent.
C) Equally direct.
D) Incongruent.

Accepted Answer

To effectively meet the goal of shared meaning in communication, verbal and nonverbal language should be congruent or consistent. This means that both the spoken words and the nonverbal cues should align with the intended message, avoiding mixed signals or confusion. Absence of either verbal or nonverbal language may hinder effective communication, while being equally direct can sometimes come off as aggressive or confrontational. Incongruent language can lead to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

Question 20

When a nurse educates a patient about his medications, the patient tells the nurse that he should go back to nursing school because he does not know very much about medications. The style of communication that the patient is demonstrating is
A) Passive.
B) Avoidant.
C) Assertive.
D) Aggressive.

Accepted Answer

The patient's communication style is aggressive because he directly insults the nurse's knowledge and competence, which is characteristic of aggressive communication. This style often involves attacking or belittling others in a conversation.

Quiz 6: Communication and Relationships

A nurse is caring for a patient who has end-stage renal disease and will require dialysis three times per week. The patient states, "I'm upset that I didn't visit all the places I'd like to see. Now that I'm on dialysis, I won't be able to." The most therapeutic response by the nurse is:

While obtaining a patient health history, a nurse recognizes that the personal space-distance zone that he or she is in when standing within 3 feet of the patient is

While bathing a patient, a nurse recognizes that the personal space-distance zone that he or she is in when physically touching the patient is

When teaching, a nursing instructor stands 15 feet from the class of nursing students. The personal space-distance zone that the nursing instructor is in is

When interacting with a physician, a nurse recognizes that the personal space-distance zone that he or she is in when standing within 5 feet of the physician is

A nurse is caring for a patient who requires assistance with feeding. The nurse delegates this task to the certified nursing assistant (CNA) . This type of communication is called

A nurse is conducting a type of interview that is structured and conducted to find out specific information by using close-ended questions to request specific data from a patient. This type of interview is known as a

A nurse is caring for a patient who was admitted to the hospital for a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) resulting in difficulty understanding speech. The nurse recognizes that the patient is experiencing

An instructor is teaching students about anger and hostility in communication. The instructor explains that the by-product of anger projected outward toward others is

A nursing instructor teaches a class of student nurses that the most effective communication style for nurses to practice is

A patient who appears to be in pain does not ask the nurse for pain medication because he feels it would upset the nurse. The style of communication that the patient is demonstrating is

A patient throws his urinal at the nurse and tells the nurse that he thinks she is terrible at her job. The nurse informs the patient that his behavior is inappropriate. The style of communication that the nurse is demonstrating is

When interacting with patients, a nurse demonstrates a willingness to communicate by

For nurses to be able to give care to patients, they must quickly establish a trusting relationship with them. Nurses can establish a trusting relationship with their patients by

A nurse observes a student nurse caring for a hearing-impaired patient. The nurse will intervene if the student nurse

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. The patient asks the nurse if she should choose to have surgery. The nurse's most therapeutic response is:

A nurse uses the DESC (Describe, Explain, State, Consequences) communication method to promote the

A nurse is caring for a patient who develops dyspnea that does not improve with oxygen therapy and nebulizer treatment. The nurse immediately calls the patient's primary health-care provider. This type of communication is called

A nurse recognizes that to effectively meet the goal of shared meaning in communication, verbal and nonverbal language should be

When a nurse educates a patient about his medications, the patient tells the nurse that he should go back to nursing school because he does not know very much about medications. The style of communication that the patient is demonstrating is