Communication in Nursing Practice Questions

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: change the computer password frequently. This is essential to safeguard patient information on a computer. Changing passwords regularly enhances security by reducing the risk of unauthorized access. By doing so, the nurse ensures that even if someone gains access to their password, it will soon be outdated. This practice aligns with best practices for maintaining confidentiality and data security. Now, let's analyze the other choices: A: Using only the computer at the nurse's station limits flexibility and convenience for accessing patient information. B: Waiting until the end of the shift to document information increases the risk of errors and delays in updating patient records. C: Using personal code words and abbreviations may lead to misinterpretation of information and compromise patient confidentiality. In summary, changing the computer password frequently is the most effective measure to safeguard patient information on a computer, while the other options do not provide the same level of security and confidentiality.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: To assist the client in achieving and maintaining optimal health. The main purpose of the client-nurse relationship is to promote the client's health and well-being. The nurse's role is to support the client in achieving their health goals and maintaining good health. This goes beyond just providing care during a specific procedure like a breast biopsy. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because while they may be components of the client-nurse relationship, they do not encompass the main purpose of promoting optimal health.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Demonstrate understanding with empathy. This approach is the most therapeutic as it shows the nurse's genuine care and support for the patient, fostering a sense of trust and emotional connection. By empathizing, the nurse validates the patient's feelings and provides comfort without judgment. A: Using an honest, judgmental attitude can be harmful and create a barrier in the nurse-patient relationship. C: Acknowledging hope by expressions of sympathy is important but may not address the patient's immediate emotional needs. D: Consistently evaluating the patient's feelings is important, but without demonstrating empathy, it may come across as clinical and detached. In summary, choice B is the best approach as it prioritizes empathy and understanding, essential components in providing effective therapeutic communication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: a difference in culturally learned personal space of the nurse and the patient. This is because different cultures have varying norms regarding personal space. In this scenario, the Hispanic patient touching the Asian nurse's shoulder and standing very close suggests a cultural difference in personal space expectations. The nurse stepping back to establish a distance of 18 to 24 inches is a respectful response to accommodate the patient's cultural norm. It demonstrates cultural competence and understanding. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: the nurse's need to maintain a professional role rather than a social role - This choice does not address the cultural aspect of personal space and assumes the nurse's response is solely professional. B: a patient's attempt to keep the nurse's attention - This choice does not consider the cultural factor influencing the patient's behavior. C: a nurse's need to establish a more appropriate location for conversation - This choice does not acknowledge the cultural difference in personal space as the primary reason for the nurse

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Statistically fewer acute diabetic complications. This is because the study found a correlation between high empathy scores of physicians and lower occurrences of acute diabetic complications in their patients. The use of the term "statistically" implies a significant and reliable relationship between physician empathy and patient outcomes. Choice A is incorrect because the study did not specify "significantly" fewer complications, only a correlation with high empathy scores. Choice C is incorrect as there was no evidence of higher rates of chronic complications associated with physician empathy. Choice D is incorrect as the study did not find statistically higher poor outcomes for patients with diabetes, but rather a relationship with fewer acute complications.