Orthopaedic Nurse Test Communication & Stakeholder Relations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient scheduled for hip replacement surgery expresses fear about anesthesia. Which communication strategy is most effective?
- Reassure the patient that anesthesia is always safe
- Acknowledge the fear, provide factual information, and offer to involve the anesthesiologist (Correct answer)
- Tell the patient not to worry because the surgeon is experienced
- Document the concern and notify the charge nurse
Correct answer: Acknowledge the fear, provide factual information, and offer to involve the anesthesiologist
Acknowledging the patient's fear validates their feelings, while providing facts and involving the specialist addresses the root concern appropriately.
Question 2: During a care conference for a post-operative spinal fusion patient, the family disagrees with the discharge plan. What is the nurse's priority action?
- Proceed with discharge as ordered by the physician
- Listen to the family's concerns and facilitate a discussion with the multidisciplinary team (Correct answer)
- Ask the family to submit their concerns in writing
- Reassure the family that the plan is standard protocol
Correct answer: Listen to the family's concerns and facilitate a discussion with the multidisciplinary team
Facilitating multidisciplinary dialogue ensures all stakeholder perspectives are heard and incorporated into a safe, patient-centered discharge plan.
Question 3: An orthopaedic nurse needs to hand off a patient with a newly placed external fixator to the oncoming shift. Which handoff element is most critical?
- Patient's preferred meal times
- Pin site condition, neurovascular status, and weight-bearing restrictions (Correct answer)
- Patient's insurance information
- Family visitation preferences
Correct answer: Pin site condition, neurovascular status, and weight-bearing restrictions
Pin site status, neurovascular checks, and weight-bearing orders are safety-critical details that prevent complications in external fixator patients.
Question 4: A physical therapist reports that a post-knee arthroplasty patient refuses to ambulate. How should the orthopaedic nurse respond?
- Document that the patient refused and take no further action
- Assess the patient's pain level, address barriers, and collaborate with PT on a modified plan (Correct answer)
- Inform the patient that ambulation is mandatory for discharge
- Notify the physician immediately without assessing the patient
Correct answer: Assess the patient's pain level, address barriers, and collaborate with PT on a modified plan
Assessing pain and other barriers first allows the nurse to address underlying issues and collaborate interprofessionally on an achievable ambulation plan.
Question 5: When communicating a patient's post-operative status to a surgeon using SBAR, what does the 'R' stand for?
- Review
- Report
- Recommendation (Correct answer)
- Response
Correct answer: Recommendation
In SBAR communication, 'R' stands for Recommendation, where the nurse clearly states the action or intervention needed.
Question 6: A patient with a language barrier is consenting for a femur fracture repair. Which approach is most appropriate?
- Ask the patient's adult child to translate the consent form
- Use a certified medical interpreter to facilitate the informed consent discussion (Correct answer)
- Use simple English words and gestures to explain the procedure
- Have the surgeon obtain consent without nursing involvement
Correct answer: Use a certified medical interpreter to facilitate the informed consent discussion
Certified medical interpreters ensure accurate, unbiased translation of complex medical information, protecting the patient's right to true informed consent.
Question 7: A patient's spouse becomes hostile when told visiting hours have ended. What is the best initial response?
- Call security immediately
- Calmly acknowledge the spouse's concern, explain the policy rationale, and offer alternative communication options (Correct answer)
- Ignore the behavior and walk away
- Threaten to ban the spouse from the unit
Correct answer: Calmly acknowledge the spouse's concern, explain the policy rationale, and offer alternative communication options
De-escalation begins with calm acknowledgment and clear explanation, which reduces defensiveness and opens dialogue without escalating conflict.
Orthopaedic Nurse Test Communication & Stakeholder Relations 2
A patient scheduled for hip replacement surgery expresses fear about anesthesia.
Which communication strategy is most effective?