1
NSG 3180 Communication and Teamwork Exam
2 Actual Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Questions with Detailed Rationales | 100%
Verified | Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Foundations of Therapeutic Communication
Q1: Which of the following best describes the purpose of using the SOLER active listening
technique during a patient interaction?
A. To ensure the nurse has a clear view of the monitors while listening.
B. To physically demonstrate to the patient that the nurse is fully attentive and engaged.
C. To allow the nurse to take notes quickly without breaking eye contact.
D. To project an authoritative presence to gain the patient's compliance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For the NSG 3180 Exam 2, remember that SOLER (Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean
forward, Eye contact, Relax) is a non-verbal strategy designed to show the patient you are
present, listening, and open to what they are saying.
Q2: A nurse tells a patient, "I know exactly how you feel; my grandmother had the same surgery
and she was miserable." This is an example of which non-therapeutic communication technique?
A. False reassurance
B. Sympathy
C. Changing the subject
D. Defensive response
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While often well-intentioned, saying "I know how you feel" shifts the focus to the
nurse's experience rather than the patient's; therapeutic communication requires empathy
(understanding the patient's perspective) rather than sympathy (sharing the feeling or making it
about oneself).
,2
Q3: (Data-Based Question) Read the following SBAR communication from a student nurse to
the charge nurse:
"This is Maria on the med-surg floor. Mr. Smith in Room 302 is complaining of sharp chest pain
radiating to his left arm. His vitals are BP 140/90, HR 110. He has a history of hypertension. I
think he needs an ECG and I need you to come assess him immediately."
Which component of SBAR is missing or incomplete?
A. Situation
B. Background
C. Assessment
D. Recommendation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The student provided the Situation (chest pain), Background (history), and
Assessment (needs ECG), but the Recommendation ("come assess him") is vague; a stronger
recommendation would be specific, such as "I need you to come now" or "Can we activate the
chest pain protocol?"
Q4: During an assessment, the nurse asks, "Can you tell me more about what the pain feels
like?" This is an example of which therapeutic communication technique?
A. Focusing
B. Clarifying
C. Validating
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse is using "focusing" by directing the conversation toward a specific detail
(the pain) to encourage the patient to elaborate on that particular symptom.
Q5: When communicating with a patient who speaks a different language, the nurse must use a
certified medical interpreter rather than the patient's child. What is the primary rationale for this
standard?
A. To protect the hospital from legal liability.
, 3
B. To ensure the child is not exposed to stressful medical information.
C. To guarantee accuracy and prevent the child from having to filter or translate sensitive
information.
D. Because the child is likely to misinterpret the medical terminology.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: While avoiding liability is important, the primary clinical reason is to ensure accurate
communication; family members, especially children, may filter information to protect the parent
or lack the vocabulary to translate complex medical concepts accurately.
Q6: A patient is crying and tearful after receiving a diagnosis. The nurse sits silently and gently
holds the patient's hand. This is an example of using:
A. Therapeutic silence to provide a supportive presence.
B. Non-therapeutic avoidance because the nurse isn't speaking.
C. A defensive barrier to prevent emotional transference.
D. False reassurance through physical touch.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Therapeutic silence is a powerful tool that allows the patient time to process their
emotions and shows the nurse is willing to "be with" them in their distress without forcing
conversation.
Q7: A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is speaking rapidly and jumping from topic to topic.
The nurse states, "I am having a hard time following your conversation; let's focus on one thing
at a time." This technique is known as:
A. Validating
B. Focusing
C. Reflecting
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Focusing is effective when a patient is scattered or flighty; it helps bring the
conversation back to a central point or relevant topic to ensure safety and understanding.
NSG 3180 Communication and Teamwork Exam
2 Actual Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Questions with Detailed Rationales | 100%
Verified | Pass Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Foundations of Therapeutic Communication
Q1: Which of the following best describes the purpose of using the SOLER active listening
technique during a patient interaction?
A. To ensure the nurse has a clear view of the monitors while listening.
B. To physically demonstrate to the patient that the nurse is fully attentive and engaged.
C. To allow the nurse to take notes quickly without breaking eye contact.
D. To project an authoritative presence to gain the patient's compliance.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For the NSG 3180 Exam 2, remember that SOLER (Sit squarely, Open posture, Lean
forward, Eye contact, Relax) is a non-verbal strategy designed to show the patient you are
present, listening, and open to what they are saying.
Q2: A nurse tells a patient, "I know exactly how you feel; my grandmother had the same surgery
and she was miserable." This is an example of which non-therapeutic communication technique?
A. False reassurance
B. Sympathy
C. Changing the subject
D. Defensive response
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: While often well-intentioned, saying "I know how you feel" shifts the focus to the
nurse's experience rather than the patient's; therapeutic communication requires empathy
(understanding the patient's perspective) rather than sympathy (sharing the feeling or making it
about oneself).
,2
Q3: (Data-Based Question) Read the following SBAR communication from a student nurse to
the charge nurse:
"This is Maria on the med-surg floor. Mr. Smith in Room 302 is complaining of sharp chest pain
radiating to his left arm. His vitals are BP 140/90, HR 110. He has a history of hypertension. I
think he needs an ECG and I need you to come assess him immediately."
Which component of SBAR is missing or incomplete?
A. Situation
B. Background
C. Assessment
D. Recommendation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The student provided the Situation (chest pain), Background (history), and
Assessment (needs ECG), but the Recommendation ("come assess him") is vague; a stronger
recommendation would be specific, such as "I need you to come now" or "Can we activate the
chest pain protocol?"
Q4: During an assessment, the nurse asks, "Can you tell me more about what the pain feels
like?" This is an example of which therapeutic communication technique?
A. Focusing
B. Clarifying
C. Validating
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse is using "focusing" by directing the conversation toward a specific detail
(the pain) to encourage the patient to elaborate on that particular symptom.
Q5: When communicating with a patient who speaks a different language, the nurse must use a
certified medical interpreter rather than the patient's child. What is the primary rationale for this
standard?
A. To protect the hospital from legal liability.
, 3
B. To ensure the child is not exposed to stressful medical information.
C. To guarantee accuracy and prevent the child from having to filter or translate sensitive
information.
D. Because the child is likely to misinterpret the medical terminology.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: While avoiding liability is important, the primary clinical reason is to ensure accurate
communication; family members, especially children, may filter information to protect the parent
or lack the vocabulary to translate complex medical concepts accurately.
Q6: A patient is crying and tearful after receiving a diagnosis. The nurse sits silently and gently
holds the patient's hand. This is an example of using:
A. Therapeutic silence to provide a supportive presence.
B. Non-therapeutic avoidance because the nurse isn't speaking.
C. A defensive barrier to prevent emotional transference.
D. False reassurance through physical touch.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Therapeutic silence is a powerful tool that allows the patient time to process their
emotions and shows the nurse is willing to "be with" them in their distress without forcing
conversation.
Q7: A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia is speaking rapidly and jumping from topic to topic.
The nurse states, "I am having a hard time following your conversation; let's focus on one thing
at a time." This technique is known as:
A. Validating
B. Focusing
C. Reflecting
D. Summarizing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Focusing is effective when a patient is scattered or flighty; it helps bring the
conversation back to a central point or relevant topic to ensure safety and understanding.
