The nurse observes a student nurse who demonstrates nonverbal expressions that are cold and convey disinterest when caring for patients. Which statement, if made by the nurse, is best?
- A. "Patients will complain about you because your behaviors are unprofessional.=
- B. "Have you noticed that your patients do not like you very much?=
- C. "For the next few shifts, closely observe how I display warmth to patients.=
- D. "You need to change your behavior when interacting with your patients.=
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it provides constructive feedback and offers a solution to the observed issue. By suggesting the student nurse to closely observe how the nurse displays warmth to patients, it encourages learning through modeling and self-reflection. This approach promotes a positive learning environment and emphasizes the importance of improving communication skills.
Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on negative reinforcement and may lead to defensive reactions. Choice B is incorrect as it uses a confrontational approach, which can be demotivating and damaging to the student's self-esteem. Choice D is incorrect as it lacks specificity and guidance on how to improve, making it less effective in addressing the observed behavior.
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A patient tells the nurse that she dislikes the food that is served in the hospital. The nurse responds, "Our cooks work very hard; the food that is served is very good." The nurse's response is an example of the communication block of:
- A. judgmental response.
- B. giving advice.
- C. defensive response.
- D. using clichés.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: defensive response. The nurse's response deflects the patient's complaint about the food quality by defending the cooks' efforts instead of addressing the patient's concerns. This can create a barrier to effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings and not acknowledging their perspective.
A: Judgmental response involves criticizing or making assumptions about the patient, which is not evident in the nurse's reply.
B: Giving advice would involve offering suggestions on how to improve the situation, which the nurse did not do.
D: Using clichés would involve using overused phrases that may not directly relate to the patient's concern, which is not the case in this scenario.
In summary, the nurse's defensive response fails to address the patient's complaint and can hinder effective communication by dismissing the patient's feelings.
The nurse cares for an elderly patient in a long-term care center. Which would be inappropriate for the nurse to share with the client?
- A. Reminisce about birthday celebrations and inquire about the client's traditions.
- B. Use high levels of intimacy to help the client feel more comfortable with the nurse.
- C. Establish a helping relationship based on trust by sharing a personal story with the client.
- D. Share with the client how meditation decreased nausea during chemotherapy treatment.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because using high levels of intimacy with a client, especially in a professional setting like a long-term care center, can violate boundaries and be inappropriate. The nurse should maintain a professional and therapeutic relationship with the client. Reminiscing about birthday celebrations (A) can help establish rapport and show interest in the client's life. Sharing personal stories (C) can build trust and connection. Sharing a relevant experience about meditation (D) can provide valuable information and support. In summary, maintaining appropriate boundaries and professionalism is crucial in a nurse-client relationship.
The nurse is aware that the purpose of therapeutic communication is to:
- A. gather as much information as possible about the patient's problem.
- B. direct the patient to communicate about his deepest concerns.
- C. focus on the patient and the patient needs to facilitate interaction.
- D. gain specific medical information and history of illness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because therapeutic communication aims to focus on the patient and their needs to facilitate a therapeutic interaction. This involves active listening, empathy, and creating a supportive environment for the patient to express their thoughts and feelings. Gathering information (choice A) is important but not the sole purpose of therapeutic communication. Directing the patient to communicate about deepest concerns (choice B) may not always be appropriate or helpful. Lastly, gaining specific medical information and history of illness (choice D) is part of a comprehensive assessment but not the primary goal of therapeutic communication.
When the nurse observes a resident in a long-term facility pounding his fists on his legs and grinding his teeth, the nurse will validate her perception of the patient's nonverbal expression of anger by:
- A. documenting that the patient was agitated and appeared angry.
- B. asking the male nursing assistant if it is his perception that the patient appears angry.
- C. accessing the nursing care plan to ascertain if there is a nursing diagnosis relative to anger.
- D. sitting down near the patient and saying, "You seem upset…can I help?" All perceptions based on the observation of nonverbal behavior should be validated by consulting the patient.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it demonstrates active listening and empathy towards the patient's nonverbal cues. By sitting down near the patient and acknowledging his emotions, the nurse opens up a channel for communication and offers support. This approach allows the patient to express his feelings and needs, leading to better understanding and potential resolution of the underlying issue.
Other choices are incorrect because:
A: Simply documenting the observation does not address the patient's emotional state or provide any opportunity for direct communication.
B: Asking another staff member for their perception does not involve the patient directly and may not accurately reflect the patient's emotions.
C: Referring to the care plan does not involve the patient in the process and may not address the immediate emotional needs expressed through nonverbal behavior.
The nurse is performing a well-child assessment on a 15-month-old child. The child's mother and father are present. Which action by the nurse will best determine the health beliefs and values of the parents?
- A. Have the parents independently complete the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator survey.
- B. Read the documented health histories of the child's parents and grandparents.
- C. Actively listen to the parents talk about their lives and health concerns.
- D. Review the traditional health practices of the ethnic group identified by the parents.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
C is the correct answer because actively listening to the parents talk about their lives and health concerns allows the nurse to understand their perspectives, beliefs, and values. This helps build rapport and trust, providing insight into how they approach healthcare for their child.
A: The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator survey is not relevant to understanding health beliefs and values.
B: Reading documented health histories may provide medical information but does not necessarily reveal beliefs and values.
D: Reviewing traditional health practices may be informative but does not directly assess the parents' personal beliefs and values.