Question 1

All of the following are appropriate statements to include in change of shift reports EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Stating "Her family asks way too many questions" is not an appropriate comment to give during a change of shift report. This type of report involves communication between care providers at the beginning and end of each shift. Change of shift reports should include only information that is pertinent to patient care and should not discuss nursing attitudes or personal opinions about the patient.

Question 2

Which of the following is an appropriate method of communication with a patient upon an initial meeting?

Accepted Answer

When working with a patient for the first time, the nurse should use the patient's last name or ask to call them by their first name. Some patients feel disrespected by the use of first names among those they do not know well. The nurse should remember that although they are the patient's care provider, the patient may still not trust them until they gets to know the nurse a little more.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient who is getting ready for surgery and who works within the healthcare industry as a nurse as well. Which of the following statements are most appropriate when conducting patient teaching about incision care?

Accepted Answer

In this situation, the nurse should say, "I know you may know this information, but I should tell you anyway, even if it is a review." Although the patient is a healthcare provider, the nurse should not assume that the patient already knows the educational material. Additionally, the nurse has a professional duty to perform patient teaching and should not gloss over material to save time.

Question 4

What is the meaning of the term 'proxemics'?

Accepted Answer

Proxemics refers to studying the space between people communicating with each other. Each person has a sense of personal space; invading this personal space may be considered threatening. Personal space requirements may vary between people and are affected by culture and personal history.

Question 5

A nurse must perform a surgical scrub on a patient's pelvic area and the patient appears extremely uncomfortable. What can the nurse do to put the client at ease?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should tell the patient that the scrub is a necessary part of the procedure and it will be completed soon. This recognizes that the patient may be uncomfortable with the procedure without calling further attention to it. Holding conversations while performing procedures that invade the patient's personal sense of space may only increase the patient's sensitivity and discomfort. Once the procedure is complete and the nurse has moved out of the patient's personal space, the patient may feel more comfortable.

Question 6

Which of the following is a true statement about using silence during the communication process with a patient?

Accepted Answer

Silence demonstrates that the nurse is prepared to wait for the patient to respond. Silence is an integral part of communication because it allows one person to state their feelings or thoughts without being interrupted by the other. Nurses can utilize silence in any situation, but it may be necessary more often in difficult cases, when the patient has a lot to think about. Taking a few moments of silence shows the patient that the nurse is patient.

Question 7

All of the following are assertiveness skills used in communication EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

All of the above are assertiveness skills used in communication except speaking in a loud voice. Speaking loudly is not always necessary to convey important information and it may make others defensive. Assertiveness is the nurse's ability to defend their position without being manipulated by others. The nurse can be assertive by calmly and clearly stating their intentions and their point of view.

Question 8

During shift report on the post-surgical unit, the oncoming nurse says critically, "You didn't get that patient up to walk today? What did you do all day?" Which of the following is the most assertive response from the nurse giving report?

Accepted Answer

The most assertive response is to say "I realize you are probably irritated, but we get busy during the day, too." This response validates the feelings of the other person without allowing them to be controlling. When being assertive, the nurse should avoid making personal statements or excuses as to why they made their decisions. They should instead calmly state the facts of their decision.

Question 9

The perioperative nurse enters the room of a patient who had surgery the day before. The nurse says, "Today we are going to help you sit up in the chair. If you remember, yesterday I mentioned that we would be doing this activity today." What type of communication is this nurse using?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is summarizing the information they went over with the patient on the previous day. Summarizing brings both parties to the same point at the beginning of the exchange. When the nurse summarizes information, it reminds the patient of previous conversations and helps the nurse to explain their position and their intentions.

Question 10

A patient is having trouble making a decision as to whether they should call their family after the surgery. Which of the following is a true statement about giving an opinion while communicating with others?

Accepted Answer

Giving an opinion differs from making suggestions in that suggestions are made to give patients choices. Opinions are the nurse's personal thoughts or beliefs about a situation and giving an opinion only undermines the patient's ability to make decisions. The nurse could instead make suggestions about what options the patient has, but ultimately, they must leave the decision up to the patient.

Question 11

When the nurse expresses their condolences to a family whose son died during a surgical procedure, the patient's father says, "You have no idea what we are going through! This is all this hospital's fault!" Which of the following is the most appropriate action of the nurse?

Accepted Answer

The nurse should recognize that the family is probably upset and is taking their feelings out on the nurse. During times of grief, it may be difficult to communicate with people who are angry because they often feel powerless. Although the family appears to be upset with the nurse, the nurse should not take their statements personally.

Question 12

The nurse reviews the patient's medical records and diagnostic tests that have been performed during his hospitalization. These actions are involved in what stage of the nursing process?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing medical records and diagnostic tests is part of the assessment phase of the nursing process. The assessment phase involves reviewing the patient's background for health history and testing that affects surgery. Assessment also reveals potential factors that could affect communication while the patient is receiving care.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a physical barrier that affects communication?

Accepted Answer

Shortness of breath is an example of a physical barrier that affects communication. When a patient is short of breath, they may have difficulty forming words. Additionally, breathing difficulties are distracting during communication, as a patient may be more focused on trying to get enough air than on considering how effectively they are communicating with the nurse.

Question 14

A nurse is preparing teaching for a patient who is deaf. They consider getting a sign language interpreter, until one of their colleagues tells them they think many deaf people can read lips. The nurse begins the teaching without contacting an interpreter. Which type of communication barrier does this situation reflect?

Accepted Answer

The communication barrier in this situation is stereotyping. This patient already has a physical barrier to communication that affects their ability to hear and possibly speak. By assuming that all people who are deaf can read lips and not providing an interpreter, the nurse uses unwarranted information to make their decision, which could ultimately cause an adverse outcome for the patient.

Question 15

Which of the following are considered nursing interventions for a patient with a diagnosis of impaired social interaction?

Accepted Answer

The nurse can review nonverbal behaviors with the patient that may suggest hostility or aloofness. Often, people may be unaware of their own presence or how their nonverbal behaviors appear to others. Through their teaching, the nurse can discuss what behaviors the patient exhibits that may alienate others and help them to understand how to replace these with positive nonverbal behaviors.

Question 16

Which of the following actions can the nurse do to help a patient who is intubated communicate with others?

Accepted Answer

The nurse can help this patient by providing a message board or paper for the patient to write their ideas or thoughts and by looking for cues that indicate the patient has needs that should be met. A patient who is intubated can still try to communicate with the nurse or family, even if they are unable to talk. Patients who are awake may make gestures or could write down their thoughts if necessary. Even patients who are not awake may communicate their needs through facial grimacing or body posture.

Quiz 2: Communication