Chapter 8 Communication PrepU

The nurse is performing an admission interview with a new client diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome. For the nurse to obtain information and allow the client free verbalization, which question would elicit the most information?

"Could you tell me more about how you are feeling right now?"

A nurse is asking a colleague about a situation. Which response best demonstrates assertive communication?

"I think there is a better way to handle this."

A nurse is obtaining a history from an adult female client. When the nurse asks how many times the client has been pregnant, the client answers, "I have four kids." Which statement, made by the nurse, seeks clarification of the original question?

"I understand you have four kids; how many times have you actually been pregnant?"

The nurse is caring for a client at the end stage of life. The client is crying and states to the nurse, "I just cannot believe I am going to be leaving my children without a parent. I am not ready to go." What response by the nurse demonstrates the expression of empathy to the client?

"It sounds as though you are most concerned about how your children will feel."

The client is talking to the nurse about recent health problems of immediate family members and the strain the client has been under trying to care for them. The client begins to cry. What response by the nurse demonstrates the most empathy?

"Just take your time. I am listening."

When the preoperative client tells the nurse that the client cannot sleep because the client keeps thinking about the surgery, an appropriate reflection of the statement by the nurse is:

"The thought of having surgery is keeping you awake."

During an admission intake assessment, a nurse uses open-ended questions to gather information. An example of an open-ended question is:

"What did your health care provider tell you about your need to be admitted?"

A nurse is completing a health history with a client being admitted for a mastectomy. During the interview the client states, "I do not know what to do. I am not sure if I really need this surgery." Which response by the nurse demonstrates active listening?

"You seem unsure. Tell me your concerns about your surgery."

Nurses use social media to share ideas, develop professional connections, access educational offerings and forums, receive support, and investigate evidence-based practices. Which is an example of the proper use of social media by a nurse?

A nurse uses a disclaimer to verify that any views the nurse expresses on Facebook are the nurse's alone and not the employer's.

A nurse states the following to another nurse who is constantly forgetting to wash hands between clients: "It looks like you keep forgetting to wash your hands between clients. It's really not safe for your clients. Let's think of some type of reminder we can use to help you remember." This communication is an example of what type of speech?

Assertive

A client is diagnosed with diabetes. The client's adult child offers to serve as an interpreter, because the client does not speak the dominant language. Which is the best action for the nurse to take?

Contact a professional interpreter.

A client has cancer, but the significant other does not want the client to know the diagnosis. The nurse demonstrates sensitivity to the significant other and works with the couple to achieve desired outcomes. What kind of behavior is the nurse exhibiting?

Empathy

A family has lost a member who was treated for leukemia at a nursing unit. The nurse provides emotional support to the family and counsels them to cope with their loss. Which quality should the nurse use in this situation?

Empathy

A nurse is discharging a client and thus terminating the nurse-client relationship. Which action should the nurse perform in this phase?

Examine goals of the relationship to determine whether they were achieved

The nurse is providing care to an older adult client who has visual and hearing deficits. What action by the nurse is appropriate to help with communication?

Identify oneself by name and title with each entry into the client's room.

During an annual performance review with an employee, the nurse manager does not maintain eye contact and seems concerned about the time and the next appointment. What type of communication is the manager exhibiting?

Nonverbal

A home care nurse discusses with a client when visits will occur and how long they will last. In what phase of the nurse-client relationship is this type of agreement established?

Orientation phase

The nurse is reporting to an oncoming nurse about the care of a client using the SBAR format. The nurse informs the oncoming nurse that the client should continue to have neurological checks every 2 hours and the nurse should report any alterations to the health care provider. In which section should this information be relayed?

Recommendation

A nurse is communicating the plan of care to a client who is cognitively impaired. Which nursing actions facilitate this process? Select all that apply.

The nurse keeps communication simple and concrete. The nurse maintains eye contact with the client. The nurse shows patience with the client and gives the client time to respond.

A dialysis nurse is educating a client on caring for the dialysis access that was inserted into the client's right arm. The nurse assesses the client's fears and concerns related to dialysis, the dialysis access, and care of the access. This information is taught over several sessions during the course of the client's hospitalization. Which phase of the working relationship is best described in this scenario?

The working phase

To provide effective nursing care, the nurse should engage in what type of communication with the client and significant others?

Therapeutic communication

Care provided to a client following surgery and until discharge represents which phase of the nurse-client relationship?

Working phase

A nurse during orientation notices that the preceptor gives all subcutaneous injections on a 45-degree angle. When the new nurse asks the preceptor the rationale for the practice the preceptors states, "This is how I do it, and this is how you will do it." The new nurse recognizes this behavior to be:

aggressive

Carl Rogers (1961) studied the process of therapeutic communication. Through his research, the elements of a "helpful" person were described. They include all of the following except which choice?

analysis

Each of the following facilitates a therapeutic nurse-client relationship except:

closed-ended questions.

A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital for dehydration. Which physical findings should the nurse acknowledge as nonverbal communication concerning this diagnosis?

easy wrinkling of the skin and sunken eyes.

A nurse is attempting to calm an infant in the nursery. The nurse responds to the highest developed sense by:

swaddling the child and gently stroking its head.

Paramedics arrive in the emergency department with a client who was in a motor vehicle collision. The paramedic reports that the driver was restrained, the car was traveling about 30 miles per hour (48 km/hr), and the air bags were not deployed. The paramedic continues to report that the car was struck from behind and that all individuals in the car were able to self-extricate. Which statement made by the nurse is verifying the report from the paramedic?

"All of the people got themselves out of the car?"

A client has just been given a diagnosis of cirrhosis of the liver. Which statements by the nurse should be avoided because they could impede communication? Select all that apply.

"Cheer up. Tomorrow is another day." "Everything will be all right." "Don't worry. You will be just fine in another day or two." "Your doctor knows best."

A nurse finds that a client has infiltration around the IV line that needs to be removed. What explanation should the nurse give to reduce the client's anxiety?

"I know that you are anxious, but the IV location needs to be changed."

The nurse is talking with a client who is thinking about obtaining a second opinion regarding the surgeon's recommendation for surgery. Which response by the nurse is considered an advocacy response?

"Let us know if we can answer any further questions after you obtain your second opinion."

A client is scheduled for thoracentesis. The nurse assesses that the client appears anxious about the procedure and needs honest support and reassurance. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse to this client?

"The needle causes discomfort or pain when it goes in, but I will be by your side throughout and will help you hold your position."

The nurse is communicating with a client following a routine physical examination. Which statement best demonstrates summarization of the appointment?

"We reviewed your plans for your new diet and medications. Do you have any other questions?"

A nurse is assessing vital signs on a pregnant client during a routine prenatal visit. The client states, "I know labor will be so painful, it sounds awful. I am sure I will not be able to stand the pain; I really dread going into labor." What is the best response from the nurse?

"You're worried about how you will tolerate the pain associated with labor."

The nurse is caring for a client who is a victim of sexual assault. Which action would the nurse take to develop a trusting rapport with the client?

Approach the client with empathy and understanding and allow the client to share feelings without being judged.

A nurse is completing a health history on a client who has a hearing impairment. Which action should the nurse take first to enhance communication?

Assess how the client would like to communicate

During an assessment of a newly admitted client the nurse asks the client many questions. The nurse begins the assessment by asking, "Have you been hospitalized this year for your back pain?" This is an example of which type of question?

Closed question

Which is a skill appropriate to use in therapeutic communication?

Control the tone of the voice to avoid hidden messages.

A nurse who is preparing to administer an injection to the client states, "This injection will not be painful." The nurse has used which communication technique?

Giving false reassurance

When caring for a psychiatric client, a nurse would make a formal contract with the client during which phase of the nurse-client relationship?

Orientation phase

A nurse is caring for a client who sustained head trauma. The client is in a medically induced coma and on mechanical ventilation. The client's parent is at the bedside in tears. The parent states, "I just want my child to know I am here." To address the needs of the parent and the client, what would be the nurse's most appropriate response?

Place a chair next to the bed and encourage the parent to hold the client's hand.

The nurse meets with the client to teach self-administration of low molecular weight heparin. During the initial part of the training the client shakes the head and asks the nurse to repeat the instructions. What action demonstrates that the nurse has assessed the client's communication abilities?

The nurse faces the client, speaks slowly and clearly, and demonstrates the procedure using a needleless syringe.

A nurse is attempting to complete an admission database. While taking the history, the nurse notices the client appears uncomfortable and slightly tachypneic. The nurse should:

allow the client to set the pace.

A nurse is preparing to provide discharge instructions to a postpartum client regarding infant care. Before beginning the education session, the nurse should:

eliminate as many distractions as possible.

A unit-based infection control task force was developed in an attempt to reduce catheter-acquired infections. The group consists of 10 team members. During the past three meetings, one person dominated the meeting and did not allow other members ample time to speak. The best way to address the team dysfunction is to:

have group members confront the dominant member to promote the needed team work.

A nurse is providing care to a 3-year-old child admitted with a diagnosis of infectious diarrhea. The nurse needs to insert an intravenous catheter in order to administer prescribed intravenous fluids. In an attempt to foster communication, the nurse should:

involve the child's stuffed animal in the educational session.

The nurse is caring for a client who had a stroke with residual affective aphasia. What is an effective method(s) for the nurse to communicate with the client? Select all that apply.

provide the client with a tablet or whiteboard to attempt communication patiently await the client's responses after asking question have the client point to common phrases or spell with alphabet letters on a laminated form

A nurse is caring for a client who presents with a skin infection. While obtaining the client's medical history, it is determined that the client is an intravenous drug user. To foster effective communication, the nurse should:

remain honest, open, and frank.

The nurse completes the admission process of a client to an acute care facility. Which statement by the nurse demonstrates the communication technique of focusing?

"You are hoping to figure out the cause of your extreme fatigue during this hospital stay."

The nurse is visiting a hospice client in the client's home. The client is explaining difficulties with a home infusion pump. By making statements such as "I see" and "go on" during the conversation, the nurse is using which therapeutic nurse-client communication technique?

Encouraging elaboration

A nurse has been caring for a client who had a myocardial infarction 2 days ago. During the morning assessment, the nurse asks the client how the client feels. Which scenario warrants further investigation?

The client stares at the floor and states, "I feel fine."

A nurse touches the client's hand while discussing the client's diagnosis. This action is:

a communication channel.

A nurse has been working on a telemetry unit for 6 months. The nurse arrives at work in the morning and overhears a night shift nurse talking about the new nurse. The night shift nurse is heard saying, "That new nurse is only here to meet a doctor and get married." The best response by the new nurse would be to:

ask to speak to the night shift nurse in private and explain how the comment made the new nurse feel.

A nurse is on lunch break in the hospital cafeteria and sits at a table near a group of physicians eating their lunch. One of the physicians, who is in charge of the nurse's clients, points at the nurse and states, "That guy needs to get fired." The best response by the nurse would be to:

ask to speak to the physician in private and address the disrespectful remark.

An experienced nurse has been working with a client with heart failure. The client's lungs were clear to auscultation during the morning assessment; however, the afternoon assessment revealed bibasilar crackles and tachypnea. The nurse calls to give SBAR report to the covering health care provider. In the final step of the report the nurse should:

recommend 40 mg of furosemide be administered because the client had improvement with past administration.

The nurse and the physical therapist discuss the therapy schedule and goals for a client on a rehabilitation unit. What type of communication is occurring between the nurse and the therapist?

Interpersonal

A client comes into the urgent care center to have sutures removed on an arm. The nurse finds significant crusting along the suture line. The client states not having time to get the sutures removed a week prior, as directed. The nurse soaks the crust and attempts to remove the sutures. As the nurse attempts the suture removal, the client frequently pulls the arm away and tells the nurse, "You are taking too long and it is hurting a little bit. Just pull them out and get it over with." Which statement is an example of appropriate therapeutic response?

"It is taking longer for me to remove the sutures because the delay allowed the crust to form and adhere to the sutures, making it harder and sometimes painful to remove them."

A 19-year-old male college student accompanies the pregnant girlfriend to the emergency department. The client states, "My parents are not aware that I am having a baby with my girlfriend. If they do, they might not send me to school anymore. What is the best thing to do?" The nurse responds,"What do you think is the best thing to do?" The therapeutic communication technique employed by the nurse is as evidenced by

reflection directing the client's response back to the client

The health care provider has recommended the client have a surgical procedure performed. The surgery would allow the client's problem to resolve quicker. Without surgery, healing would be delayed. The client states, "I do not want the surgery done." What is an appropriate response by the nurse?

"Tell me the reason you do not want the surgery."

A nurse has developed strong rapport with the spouse of a client who has been receiving rehabilitation following a debilitating stroke. The spouse has just been informed that the client is unlikely to return home and requires care that can only be provided in a facility with constant nursing care. The client's spouse tells the nurse, "I can't believe it's come to this." How should the nurse best respond?

"This must be very difficult for you to hear. How do you feel right now?"

The nurse makes a contract with the client during which phase of the nurse-client relationship?

Orientation phase

A nurse who has been caring for a client for the past few days is preparing the client for discharge and termination of the nurse-client relationship. Which activity would the nurse be carrying out during this phase of the relationship?

Reviewing health changes

The nurse cares for a client who is sharing a personal health story. Which behavior(s) demonstrates active listening? Select all that apply.

The nurse makes eye contact while the client is sharing a personal story. The nurse observes the nonverbal behavior of the client as the client speaks. The nurse paraphrases what the client has stated before generating a response.

The nurse is collecting health data and avoids using closed-ended questions. Which are examples of closed-ended questions? Select all that apply.

"Are you ready to get out of bed?" "Do you smoke cigarettes?" "Is there any chance you might be pregnant?" "Does it hurt when I touch you here?"

A pregnant client presents to the emergency department with vaginal bleeding. A transvaginal ultrasound is performed, and the health care provider informs the client that there are normal fetal heart tones noted. The client begins to tear-up and has a worried appearance. To facilitate therapeutic communication, what statement would the nurse make after observing the client's nonverbal communication?

"Take your time and tell me how you are feeling. I have plenty of time to answer your questions and discuss any thoughts or feelings with you."

A nurse is planning care for an adult client with severe hearing impairment who uses sign language and lip reading for communication and who has a new diagnosis of cancer. Which nursing action is most appropriate when establishing the plan of care for this client?

Arrange for a sign language interpreter when discussing treatment.

The nurse is caring for a postoperative client who refuses a blood transfusion due to religious beliefs. The nurse is demonstrating trustworthiness when taking which action in response to the client's treatment wishes?

contacting the interprofessional care team to discuss alternative treatment options