Which nonverbal action(s) would be consistent with an assertive style of communication? (Select all that apply)
- A. Relaxed posture
- B. Established eye contact
- C. Hands placed on hips
- D. Distant, soft voice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A (Relaxed posture) because assertive communication involves being confident and composed. A relaxed posture signifies confidence and comfort in oneself. Choices B (Established eye contact) can also be consistent with assertiveness as it shows engagement and confidence. Choices C (Hands placed on hips) may come across as aggressive rather than assertive. Choice D (Distant, soft voice) is more indicative of a passive communication style, lacking the firmness associated with assertiveness. In summary, choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the confident and self-assured characteristics of assertive communication.
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A home health patient with a bleeding ulcer informs the nurse that she ate a bowl of chili with jalapenos. An inappropriate communication block with a judgmental tone by the nurse would be:
- A. "Well, you have had this problem long enough to know what will happen—you certainly can't blame me!"
- B. "I don't think that was a smart thing for you to do considering your ulcer."
- C. "Well, you better watch your stool for evidence of blood so you can notify your primary care provider."
- D. "Oh, poo! A bowl of chili every now and then won't make a lot of difference to your ulcer." Judgmental response is a block to effective communication in which the nurse is judging the patient's action. It implies that the patient must take on the nurse's values and is demeaning to the patient.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates a judgmental tone towards the patient's actions. The nurse is passing a negative judgment on the patient by stating that eating chili with jalapenos was not a smart decision considering the ulcer. This response can make the patient feel guilty or ashamed, hindering effective communication.
Choice A shows frustration and blame towards the patient, which can lead to a defensive response. Choice C is directive and lacks empathy, focusing solely on the medical aspect without considering the patient's feelings. Choice D dismisses the patient's concerns and minimizes the impact of the action, which can be perceived as condescending.
In summary, choice B is the correct answer as it highlights the importance of maintaining a non-judgmental and supportive attitude in patient communication.
The nurse cares for a patient who has metastatic cancer. Which action(s) by the nurse conveys warmth? (Select all that apply)
- A. Avoid distracting actions such as hand gestures.
- B. Show interest by occasional head nodding.
- C. Lean forward toward the patient at a 45-degree angle.
- D. Place arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Show interest by occasional head nodding. This action conveys warmth by demonstrating active listening and engagement with the patient. It shows empathy and understanding without being intrusive.
Avoiding distracting actions such as hand gestures (A) may come across as cold or disinterested. Leaning forward toward the patient at a 45-degree angle (C) can be perceived as invading personal space. Placing arms across the chest to prevent fidgeting (D) may appear defensive or closed off, lacking warmth and openness.
The nursing student tearfully reports to the leader, "I took some flowers into Mr. N's (non- Hodgkin lymphoma) room to cheer him up, and he told me that he didn't think he was supposed to have flowers. I took them out of the room right away, and then I realized I had made a mistake." What should the team leader do first?
- A. Direct the student to read the isolation precautions before entering the room.
- B. Call the nursing instructor and report the student for making an error.
- C. Acknowledge and praise the student for taking responsibility for the mistake.
- D. Write an incident report and have the student and instructor sign it.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is important to acknowledge and praise the student for taking responsibility for the mistake. By doing this, the team leader can encourage a culture of accountability and learning from errors. This approach supports the student's professional growth and self-awareness.
Option A is incorrect because the immediate focus should be on addressing the emotional response of the student and providing support rather than assigning blame. Option B is inappropriate as it could undermine the student's confidence and discourage future initiative. Option D is premature as it prioritizes paperwork over supporting the student's learning and emotional well-being.
While interviewing a Native American man for the admission history, the nurse should expect to:
- A. wait patiently through long pauses in the conversation.
- B. maintain eye contact with the patient.
- C. give the patient permission to speak.
- D. have another family member speak for the patient. Native Americans use long pauses in their conversation to better consider their answer and consider the question. The culturally sensitive nurse would wait quietly through the pauses.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because it acknowledges the cultural communication norms of Native American individuals, who may take longer pauses during conversations to reflect and respond thoughtfully. By waiting patiently through these pauses, the nurse shows respect for the individual's communication style and allows for effective dialogue.
Option B is incorrect because maintaining constant eye contact may be perceived as confrontational or disrespectful in some Native American cultures. Option C is incorrect as it assumes the patient needs permission to speak, which may not align with their cultural norms. Option D is incorrect as it undermines the individual's autonomy and may not accurately represent their perspective.
When an office nurse asks the patient to repeat information that he has just given to the patient over the telephone, the nurse is:
- A. testing the patient's intelligence and memory.
- B. acting in a cautious way to avoid charges of negligence.
- C. verifying that the patient understands the information.
- D. saving the extra time it would take to mail the information. Obtaining feedback from a patient to ascertain that the patient understands instructions is an important part of the communication process, especially over the phone, when the nurse does not have nonverbal cues.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because asking the patient to repeat the information verifies their understanding. This is crucial in healthcare to ensure accurate communication and patient safety. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on intelligence rather than comprehension. Choice B is incorrect as it assumes the nurse is motivated by avoiding negligence rather than patient care. Choice D is incorrect as saving time should not compromise patient understanding.Verifying patient comprehension fosters effective communication and prevents errors.