Chapter 08: Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship

Chapter 08: Communication and the Nurse-Patient Relationship

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The nurse can best ensure that communication is understood by:

a.	speaking slowly and clearly in the patient’s native language.
b.	asking the family members whether the patient understands.
c.	obtaining feedback from the patient that indicates accurate comprehension.
d.	checking for signs of hearing loss or aphasia before communicating.

 

 

ANS:   C

The best way to determine understanding is to ask the patient. Factors such as anxiety, hearing acuity, language, aphasia, or lack of familiarity with medical jargon or routines can all contribute to misunderstanding.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    p. 103              OBJ:    Theory #1

TOP:    Feedback        KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Evaluation

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

2. The nurse recognizes a verbal response when the patient:

a.	nods her head when asked whether she wants juice.
b.	writes the answer to a question asked by the nurse.
c.	begins sobbing uncontrollably when asked about her daughter.
d.	is moaning and restless and appears to be in pain.

 

 

ANS:   B

Verbal communication involves words, either written or spoken. Nodding, sobbing, and moaning are nonverbal communication.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    p. 101              OBJ:    Theory #1

TOP:    Verbal Communication Feedback     KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

3. The nurse recognizes the patient who demonstrates communication congruency when the patient:

a.	smiles and laughs while speaking of feeling lonely and depressed.
b.	wrings her hands and paces around the room while denying that she is upset.
c.	is tearful and slow in speech when talking about her husband’s death.
d.	states she is comfortable while she frowns and her teeth are clenched.

 

 

ANS:   C

Congruent communication is the agreement of verbal and nonverbal messages.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    p. 101              OBJ:    Theory #1

TOP:    Congruence     KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Assessment

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

 

4. A Hispanic patient approaches the Asian nurse and, standing very close, touches the nurse’s shoulder during their conversation. The nurse begins to step back to 18 to 24 inches, while smiling and nodding to the patient. This situation is most likely an example of:

a.	the nurse’s need to maintain a professional role rather than a social role.
b.	a patient’s attempt to keep the nurse’s attention.
c.	a nurse’s need to establish a more appropriate location for conversation.
d.	a difference in culturally learned personal space of the nurse and the patient.

 

 

ANS:   D

Personal space between people is a culturally learned behavior; Asians, North American natives, and Northern European people generally prefer more personal space than people of Hispanic, Southern European, or Middle Eastern cultures.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    p. 103              OBJ:    Theory #2

TOP:    Cultural Differences                          KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Coping and Adaptation

 

5. A nurse says to a patient, “I am going to take your TPR, and then I’ll check to see whether you can have a PRN analgesic.” In considering factors that affect communication, the nurse has:

a.	used terminology to clearly inform the patient of what she is doing.
b.	given information that is unnecessary for the patient to know.
c.	used medical jargon, which might not be understood by the patient.
d.	taken into consideration the patient’s need to know what is happening.

 

 

ANS:   C

Medical jargon such as abbreviations or medical terminology is often misunderstood, even by well educated people.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Comprehension      REF:    p. 103              OBJ:    Theory #3

TOP:    Blocks to Communication                  KEY:   Nursing Process Step: Implementation

MSC:   NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity: Coping and Adaptation