Open-Ended Questions in Nursing Communication

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: The patient is tearful and slow in speech when talking about her husband's death. Step 2: Verbal message: Discussing husband's death, Nonverbal message: Tearful and slow speech. Step 3: Verbal and nonverbal messages are congruent - sadness is reflected in both. Step 4: This congruency indicates genuine emotions and honest communication. Step 5: Therefore, choice C is correct as it demonstrates communication congruency. Summary: Choice A: Incongruent communication - smiling and laughing contradict feelings of loneliness and depression. Choice B: Incongruent communication - hand-wringing and pacing contradict denial of being upset. Choice D: Incongruent communication - stating comfort while frowning and teeth clenched contradict each other.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because relaxed muscles and a concerned expression convey warmth. Relaxed muscles indicate a sense of calm and approachability, while a concerned expression shows empathy and care. Small pupils and a fixed gaze (A) can be perceived as cold or distant. Furrowed brow and wrinkled forehead (B) suggest tension or worry. Pursed lips and a forced smile (C) may come across as insincere. In summary, D is the best choice as it combines physical relaxation with emotional warmth.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a nurse should communicate with empathy when addressing a patient's emotional needs, such as anxiety about body image after a mastectomy. Empathy helps build trust and support patients emotionally. Choices A, C, and D do not involve direct patient care or emotional support, so empathy is not the most appropriate communication style in those situations. A is about a social relationship, C is about professional recognition, and D is about workplace dynamics, which do not require empathy in the same way patient care does.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B - "You'll be okay for right now, and I will come back and check on you later." Rationale: 1. Acknowledges the patient's needs without dismissing them. 2. Sets boundaries by indicating that the nurse will return later. 3. Shows concern for the patient's well-being. 4. Maintains professionalism while addressing the patient's behavior. Summary: A: Does not set boundaries, may encourage the patient to continue seeking attention. C: Does not address the immediate need for the patient's care and may prolong the conversation. D: Passing off responsibility to volunteers may not address the underlying issue of the patient seeking excessive attention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. By saying, "We can come back to that later—right now I need to know about when your symptoms started," the nurse is refocusing the patient to the issue at hand when the conversation has wandered. This response helps maintain the focus of the conversation on gathering important information about the patient's symptoms, which is crucial for providing appropriate care. It acknowledges the patient's concerns while redirecting the conversation back to the main topic. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the nurse's intention in the given statement. Choice A implies judgment on the patient's conversation topic, choice B suggests limiting the patient's emotional expression, and choice D implies a rushed or dismissive attitude towards the conversation, none of which are demonstrated by the nurse's response.