Chapter 4: Communication Cooper and Gosnell: Foundations of Nursing, 7th Edition

Although the patient denies pain, the nurse observes the patient breathing rapidly with clenched fists and facial grimacing. What is the nurse’s best response to these observations? a. “I am glad you are feeling better and have no discomfort.” b. “Where do you hurt?” c. “What you are saying and what I am observing don’t seem to match.” d. “It makes me uncomfortable when you are not honest with me.” ANS: C The nonverbal communication should be clarified to prevent miscommunication. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page OBJ: 2| 3 TOP: Communication KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity 2. The nurse considers the feelings and needs of a patient by stating, “I know you are concerned about your surgery tomorrow. How can I help you?” What type of communication is this? a. Intrusive b. Aggressive c. Closed d. Assertive ANS: D Assertive communication takes a patient’s feelings and needs into account, yet honors the patient’s rights as an individual. DIF: Cognitive Level: Comprehension REF: Page OBJ: 4 TOP: Communication KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity 3. If the nurse aggressively says to a patient, “Why couldn’t you have asked me to give you your pain medication when I was in here earlier?” what feeling is the patient most likely to demonstrate? a. Anger b. Satisfaction that his needs are met c. Humiliation and worthlessness d. Confidence that his request will be granted ANS: C Aggressive communication is highly destructive. Although anger may eventually come, the patient most likely feels humiliated first. DIF: Cognitive Level: Application REF: Page OBJ: 7 TOP: Communication KEY: Nursing Process Step: Assessment