Exam 9: Communicating Effectively

The nursing supervisor is planning an education session on collaborative communication between nurses and physicians. Which topics should be on this agenda?

The nurse manager has determined the need to hire two staff nurses. Which factor is most critical as the nurse manager prepares to submit the request to administration?

In the morning care conference, the nurse instructs the assistant to feed breakfast to the clients in beds 2234, 2230, and 2241.The assistant indicates understanding of the assignment and repeats the bed numbers back to the nurse. What is the nurse's next step?

A problem has arisen on a unit whose nursing staff is composed primarily of members of Generation X. Which strategies should the nurse manager employ to get staff input into solving this problem?

The nurse manager has instituted a policy of sending information to the staff via e-mail. Many misunderstandings have occurred since this policy was implemented. What technique should the manager use to reduce this miscommunication?

During an evaluation conference, the nurse manager observes nonverbal messages, including nodding in agreement and smiling. These behaviors are examples of which aspect of communication?

An inexperienced speaker is practicing the delivery of a speech. Which statement indicates a lack of understanding about how easily communication is distorted?

The person who has just been promoted to nurse manager is male. If this nurse communicates in a way that is considered typical for men, what can the staff expect?

The hospital chief operating officer holds monthly focus groups with the purpose of gaining ideas and insights from nursing administration and staff nurses. Which type of communication does this indicate?

The nurse manager has asked that another staff nurse position be funded for the unit. The supervisor denies the request. Which statements by the manager are examples of negative assertion?

A nurse manager is aware that there is a strong "grapevine" communication system on the unit. The manager elects to use this grapevine to distribute information about an upcoming change in unit policy. In making this decision, the manager should consider which possibilities?

The nurse manager should be most careful not to hold preconceived beliefs when listening to which person?

What is the most important reason that excellent communication skills are essential for nurses?

The staff nurse is unsure of the correct protocol for calling in sick to work. The nursing supervisor told the nurse to call the nursing office; however, the nurse manager told the nurse to call the unit. This issue is likely the result of which distorted communication?

The nurse has a concern regarding the quality of care being provided in the hospital. What should the nurse consider first before communicating this concern?

The nurse asks the nurse manager if he can go home early because the census is low. When the request is denied, the nurse states, "I don't understand why I can't leave early. I will use vacation time and this will help minimize personnel costs for the shift." This statement is an example of which technique of influencing the supervisor?

After several near-incidents during procedures, the nurse manager is increasingly concerned about how nursing staff communicates with physician staff. Which advice from the manager would be most beneficial to the nursing staff?

The staff nurse would like to improve personal communication with peers, patients, and the medical staff. Which strategy would be most effective for this nurse?

The nurse is always intimidated when asking a physician to clarify orders. Which statements should the nurse use to help counteract this feeling?

When the nurse manager orders supplies for the unit, which communication mode is best?