More   en français

Publications & Resources > The Standard > September 2005

   Last modified: Aug. 25, 2005

Quiz: Communications Strategies

A hallmark of a great nurse is top-notch communication skills. Many of the College’s practice standards and guidelines refer to communication. Advanced communication skills are essential for nurses, but how can nurses make the most of these skills in their everyday practice? Test your communication knowledge by taking our quiz.

 

1

Cathy, an RN, works at a health information telephone line. During a night shift, she receives a call from Mrs. Wong who is phoning on behalf of her husband. Mrs. Wong says that her husband is complaining of leg pain. While Mrs. Wong is speaking, Cathy overhears Mr. Wong trying to add something. Cathy asks Mrs. Wong to put her husband on the phone. After providing advice to Mr. Wong, Cathy asks him to repeat the information that she provided him.

Did Cathy handle this situation appropriately?

YesCathy should speak to Mr. Wong directly and ask him to repeat the information that she gave him.

NoCathy should have remained on the phone with Mrs. Wong and provided her with the information.

[ ANSWER ]

 

2While compiling the day's client assignments at a longterm care facility, Ricardo, an RN, overhears Jennifer, a nurse with 15 years experience, telling a new nurse, "You aren't a fully functioning team member because you haven't been around long enough." Ricardo intervenes and tells Jennifer that it is inappropriate to say that to a colleague. Jennifer tells Ricardo to "Butt out and mind your own business."

Should Ricardo have intervened in this situation?

Yes Ricardo has a professional responsibility to intervene.

 

No Ricardo should mind his own business.

[ ANSWER ]

 

3 Jackie is an RPN in a busy emergency room at an acute care hospital. While having lunch in the staff lounge, Jackie discovers that one of her colleagues, Mary, has started a rumour about her that has spread throughout the hospital. Jackie is very upset and immediately goes to tell her manager, Wendy. Wendy quickly calls a meeting with Jackie and Mary

Did Wendy carry out her professional responsibilities as the team manager?

Yes Wendy carried out her professional responsibilities to resolve the situation.

No As a team manager, Wendy did not resolve the situation appropriately.

[ ANSWER ]

 

4

Victoria is an RN on a cardiology unit of a small community hospital. She enters Mr. Johnson’s room to provide discharge teaching after his recent diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Victoria gives several pamphlets to Mr. Johnson and his wife and explains that they contain details on a low-sodium diet, hypercholesterolemia and other information that they’ll need to prevent a myocardial infarction. When the couple doesn’t ask any questions, Victoria assumes they understood and leaves the room. Mr. Johnson is discharged that morning without further education.

Was Victoria's strategy for client education sufficient?

YesVictoria's strategy was adequate.

 

NoVictoria should have used additional strategies to ensure that the client understood the information.

[ ANSWER ]

 

5Joan is an experienced RPN in a long-term care facility. She is assigned as a preceptor to Fabienne, a recent graduate being oriented to the facility. Three weeks into the orientation, Joan is asked to provide Fabienne with peer feedback on her strengths and weaknesses. Fabienne will use the comments to set goals for the remainder of the orientation. In giving feedback, Joan wants to be helpful and honest. She thinks that Fabienne will learn the most if she is very direct. Joan tells Fabienne that she doesn't like how she dresses for duty and that at times her attitude is "lazy" and "careless."

Is Joan's feedback helpful to Fabienne?

Yes Joan's feedback is sufficient for Fabienne to set goals.

 

NoJoan's feedback will not help Fabienne set goals.

[ ANSWER ]

 

 

Next — Check your answers...

[top]