,Table of Contents
Part 1: Packing Your Bags for the Journey of Caring, Assertive, Responsible Communication
1. Responsible, Assertive, Caring Communication in Nursing
2. The Client±Nurse Relationship: A Helping Relationship
3. Starting with YOU: Understanding Yourself to Build a Foundation for Learning
4. Solving Problems Together
5. Understanding Each Other: Communication and Culture
Part 2: Honoring Your Fellow Travelers along the Journey
6. Demonstrating Warmth
7. Showing Respect
8. Being Genuine
9. Being Empathetic
10. Using Self-Disclosure
11. Being Specific
12. Asking Questions
13. Expressing Opinions
14. Using Humor
15. Embracing the Spiritual Journey of Healthcaring: Meaning Making
Part 3: Developing Road-Worthy Practices along the Journey
16. Requesting Support
17. Overcoming Evaluation Anxiety
18. Working with Feedback
19. Using Relaxation Techniques
20. Incorporating Imagery in Professional Practice and Self Care
21. Incorporating Positive Self-Talk
22. Learning to Work Together in Groups
23. Navigating the Expanding World of Digital Communication
Part 4: Embracing the Transformative Process of the Journey
24. Learning Confrontation Skills
25. Refusing Unreasonable Requests
26. Communicating Assertively and Responsibly with Distressed Clients and Colleagues
&RPPXQLFDWLQJ$VVHUWLYHO\DQG5HVSRQVLEO\ZLWK³'LIILFXOW´&OLHQWVDQG&ROOHDJXHV
28. Managing Team Conflict Assertively and Responsibly
29. Communicating at the End of Life
30. Continuing the Commitment to the Journey
,Chapter 1: Responsible, Assertive, Caring Communication in Nursing
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective
communication strategies?
a. ³7KH nurse should use clear, direct statements using objective ZRUGV´
b. ³7KH nurse uses body language that is congruent with the verbal PHVVDJH´
c. ³7KH nurse believes that positive communication strategies build FRQILGHQFH´
d. ³7KH nurse practices assertive and responsible communication VWUDWHJLHV´
ANS:C
Learning involves three domains: the cognitive aspects (understanding and meaning),
affective aspects (feelings, values, and attitudes), and psychomotor aspects (physical
capability).Learning basic communication skills involves the cognitive domain; building
confidence through a belief in the value and impact of positive communication is the
affective domain; and putting skills into action is the psychomotor domain.DIF:
Comprehension REF: p. 13 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and
Documentation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
2. The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by
the staff nurse is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
a. ³, GRQ¶W want you upset, so I will work H[WUD´
b. ³:K\ do I always have to cover extra shifWV"´
c. ³, am not able to work an extra VKLIW´
d. ³,I you FDQ¶W find anyone else, I will do LW´
ANS:C
The staff nurse may turn down even a reasonable request; an assertive response avoids
irrational beliefs. Irrational beliefs occur as a result of being anxious about assertiveness
or focusing on possible negative outcomes.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 8 TOP: Integrated
Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care
Environment: Management of Care
, 3. A nurse manager offers a staff nurse a choice between working 8- or 12-hour
shifts. Which statement, if made by the staff nurse, is nonassertive and may result in a
frustrated response from the nurse manager?
a. ³, want to decide the shifts for all of the other staff QXUVHV´
b. ³'R whatever you want. It GRHVQ¶W really matter to PH´
c. ³7KDQN you for offering me a choice. I prefer 12-hour VKLIWV´
d. ³<RX will never be able to give me what I really want to ZRUN´
ANS:B
A statement that allows others to make decisions for a person is an example of a
nonassertive style of communication; the response of others to a nonassertive statement
may include disrespect, guilt, anger, or frustration. Statements that make choices for
others or that are accusations are examples of aggressive styles of communication; the
response of others to an aggressive statement may include hurt, defensiveness, or
humiliaWLRQ $ VWDWHPHQW WKDW DOORZV PDNLQJ RQH¶V RZQ GHFLVLRQV LV DQ H[DPSOH RI
assertive style of communication; the response of others to an assertive statement may
include mutual respect.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 7 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication
and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
4. The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The
patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed
medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse
to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
a. Authoritative, honest, and outright communication
b. Assertive, responsible, and caring communication
c. Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication
d. Positive, expert, and focused communication
ANS:B
Communication must be technically responsible, assertive, and caring to facilitate a
change in behavior.DIF: Knowledge/Comprehension REF: p. 13 TOP: Integrated
Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
5. Which are examples of a nurse who is communicating responsibly? (Select all
that apply)
a. The nurse uses profanity to respond to a client who is intoxicated and verbally
abusive.
b. The nurse helps a client talk to family members about discontinuing
chemotherapy.
Part 1: Packing Your Bags for the Journey of Caring, Assertive, Responsible Communication
1. Responsible, Assertive, Caring Communication in Nursing
2. The Client±Nurse Relationship: A Helping Relationship
3. Starting with YOU: Understanding Yourself to Build a Foundation for Learning
4. Solving Problems Together
5. Understanding Each Other: Communication and Culture
Part 2: Honoring Your Fellow Travelers along the Journey
6. Demonstrating Warmth
7. Showing Respect
8. Being Genuine
9. Being Empathetic
10. Using Self-Disclosure
11. Being Specific
12. Asking Questions
13. Expressing Opinions
14. Using Humor
15. Embracing the Spiritual Journey of Healthcaring: Meaning Making
Part 3: Developing Road-Worthy Practices along the Journey
16. Requesting Support
17. Overcoming Evaluation Anxiety
18. Working with Feedback
19. Using Relaxation Techniques
20. Incorporating Imagery in Professional Practice and Self Care
21. Incorporating Positive Self-Talk
22. Learning to Work Together in Groups
23. Navigating the Expanding World of Digital Communication
Part 4: Embracing the Transformative Process of the Journey
24. Learning Confrontation Skills
25. Refusing Unreasonable Requests
26. Communicating Assertively and Responsibly with Distressed Clients and Colleagues
&RPPXQLFDWLQJ$VVHUWLYHO\DQG5HVSRQVLEO\ZLWK³'LIILFXOW´&OLHQWVDQG&ROOHDJXHV
28. Managing Team Conflict Assertively and Responsibly
29. Communicating at the End of Life
30. Continuing the Commitment to the Journey
,Chapter 1: Responsible, Assertive, Caring Communication in Nursing
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. Which statement describes the affective aspect of learning effective
communication strategies?
a. ³7KH nurse should use clear, direct statements using objective ZRUGV´
b. ³7KH nurse uses body language that is congruent with the verbal PHVVDJH´
c. ³7KH nurse believes that positive communication strategies build FRQILGHQFH´
d. ³7KH nurse practices assertive and responsible communication VWUDWHJLHV´
ANS:C
Learning involves three domains: the cognitive aspects (understanding and meaning),
affective aspects (feelings, values, and attitudes), and psychomotor aspects (physical
capability).Learning basic communication skills involves the cognitive domain; building
confidence through a belief in the value and impact of positive communication is the
affective domain; and putting skills into action is the psychomotor domain.DIF:
Comprehension REF: p. 13 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication and
Documentation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
2. The nurse manager asks the staff nurse to work an extra shift. Which response by
the staff nurse is assertive and based on rational beliefs?
a. ³, GRQ¶W want you upset, so I will work H[WUD´
b. ³:K\ do I always have to cover extra shifWV"´
c. ³, am not able to work an extra VKLIW´
d. ³,I you FDQ¶W find anyone else, I will do LW´
ANS:C
The staff nurse may turn down even a reasonable request; an assertive response avoids
irrational beliefs. Irrational beliefs occur as a result of being anxious about assertiveness
or focusing on possible negative outcomes.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 8 TOP: Integrated
Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care
Environment: Management of Care
, 3. A nurse manager offers a staff nurse a choice between working 8- or 12-hour
shifts. Which statement, if made by the staff nurse, is nonassertive and may result in a
frustrated response from the nurse manager?
a. ³, want to decide the shifts for all of the other staff QXUVHV´
b. ³'R whatever you want. It GRHVQ¶W really matter to PH´
c. ³7KDQN you for offering me a choice. I prefer 12-hour VKLIWV´
d. ³<RX will never be able to give me what I really want to ZRUN´
ANS:B
A statement that allows others to make decisions for a person is an example of a
nonassertive style of communication; the response of others to a nonassertive statement
may include disrespect, guilt, anger, or frustration. Statements that make choices for
others or that are accusations are examples of aggressive styles of communication; the
response of others to an aggressive statement may include hurt, defensiveness, or
humiliaWLRQ $ VWDWHPHQW WKDW DOORZV PDNLQJ RQH¶V RZQ GHFLVLRQV LV DQ H[DPSOH RI
assertive style of communication; the response of others to an assertive statement may
include mutual respect.DIF: Analysis REF: p. 7 TOP: Integrated Process: Communication
and Documentation MSC: Safe and Effective Care Environment: Management of Care
4. The nurse is providing care to a patient who was admitted with heart failure. The
patient has not been following the prescribed diet or taking the prescribed
medications. Which type of communication approach is most important for the nurse
to use with this patient to facilitate a change in self-care behavior?
a. Authoritative, honest, and outright communication
b. Assertive, responsible, and caring communication
c. Aggressive, sympathetic, and realistic communication
d. Positive, expert, and focused communication
ANS:B
Communication must be technically responsible, assertive, and caring to facilitate a
change in behavior.DIF: Knowledge/Comprehension REF: p. 13 TOP: Integrated
Process: Communication and Documentation MSC: Psychosocial Integrity
5. Which are examples of a nurse who is communicating responsibly? (Select all
that apply)
a. The nurse uses profanity to respond to a client who is intoxicated and verbally
abusive.
b. The nurse helps a client talk to family members about discontinuing
chemotherapy.
