PNU 116 PrepU Chapter 8: Communication

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

A nurse is caring for a client who is newly diagnosed with terminal cancer. The nurse enters the client's room and finds the client sitting in the dark crying. Which statement conveys empathy by the nurse?

"I know this is hard for you. Is there any way I can help?"

The nurse has arranged to start an IV line for a client with pancreatitis. The nurse notes that the client appears anxious about the procedure. What is the most appropriate response by the nurse to decrease the client's anxiety?

"I will start an IV that will add fluids directly to the blood stream."

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."

A client is reluctant to undergo surgery and is discussing it with the nurse. Which response by the nurse would reflect an authoritarian approach?

"Surgery is your only option. You need this operation."

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.

A client presents to the urgent care clinic with ear pain. The client reports a medical history of trigeminal neuralgia. The nurse is not familiar with trigeminal neuralgia. When the client asks whether the two conditions could be related, which response by the nurse is best?

"I honestly do not remember specific details regarding trigeminal neuralgia; let me research it."

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 nurse is caring for a client experiencing biliary colic from uncomplicated cholelithiasis. The client asks, "My doctor says I should have surgery to remove my gallbladder. Do you think it is really necessary?" What is the nurse's best response?

"Share with me the advantages and disadvantages of your options as you see them."

A client in a mental health unit discusses personal thoughts and feelings with the nurse. The nurse can maintain the circle of confidentiality when reporting this information to which individuals? Select all that apply.

The client's physician The nurse from the oncoming shift The unit's mental health technicians

A client arrives at the emergency department after experiencing several black, tarry stools. The nurse should assess for the cause of the client's complaint by:

asking the client whether the client has recently taken ferrous sulfate (iron) or bismuth subsalicylate.

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

Which statements made by the nurse acknowledge the client as a human being? Select all that apply.

"Mr. Smith, I will be taking you to x-ray now." "I have your medications ready for you, Ms. Jackson."

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."

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."

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 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

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

Closed question

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

Which quality in a nurse helps the nurse to become effective in providing for a client's needs while remaining compassionately detached?

Empathy

When assessing a client's nonverbal communication, the nurse should assess which aspect as being the most expressive?

Facial expressions

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 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."

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.

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 evening shift nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a colon resection in the morning. The client tells the nurse that the client is afraid of waking up during surgery. The best response by the nurse is to:

ask why the client thinks the client will wake up during surgery.

A nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital for dehydration. The physical findings consistent with this diagnosis that the client's general appearance can nonverbally communicate to the nurse include:

easy wrinkling of the skin and sunken eyes.