Communication & Interpersonal Skills
5 free practice questions with explanations
PassNova has 5 free NMC CBT (Overseas Nurses) practice questions on Communication & Interpersonal Skills, each with a clear explanation. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback — 100% free, no sign-up, on any device. Updated for 2026.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills: example questions & answers
5 worked examples with answers and explanations below. Practise them in the browser with instant feedback on every answer.
A patient who is deaf and uses British Sign Language needs to give consent for a procedure. What is the most appropriate action?
- AProceed without any explanation, because the procedure is a routine one
- BAsk a family member to interpret to save time
- CArrange a registered BSL interpreter to ensure accurate communication✓
- DWrite everything down on paper and assume that the patient has understood it
Answer: Valid consent requires the patient to understand the information given, so a registered interpreter should be arranged for a BSL user. Relying on family members risks inaccurate or biased interpretation.
During a difficult conversation, a patient becomes upset and tearful. Which response demonstrates effective therapeutic communication?
- AAcknowledge their feelings, allow silence and listen actively✓
- BTell them not to worry and reassure them that everything will be fine
- CQuickly change the subject to something lighter to lift the patient's mood
- DLeave the room to give them some privacy, and do not return for the rest of the shift
Answer: Active listening, acknowledging emotions and allowing silence show empathy and build therapeutic rapport. Dismissing feelings or offering false reassurance undermines effective communication.
When handing over a patient using the SBAR tool, what does the 'R' stand for?
- ARecord
- BResult
- CRecommendation✓
- DResponse
Answer: In SBAR the letters stand for Situation, Background, Assessment and Recommendation. The recommendation states what the nurse wants to happen next, supporting safe and structured handover.
A patient with limited English appears not to understand their discharge instructions. What is the safest approach?
- AAsk another patient on the ward who speaks the language to do the translating
- BUse a professional interpreter and check understanding with teach-back✓
- CSpeak louder and use more hand gestures
- DGive them written leaflets in English and assume that they will read them later
Answer: A professional interpreter ensures accurate communication, and teach-back confirms the patient genuinely understands. This protects patient safety and supports informed self-care after discharge.
A distressed relative is shouting at a nurse in a busy corridor. What is the most appropriate first response?
- AShout back at the relative to assert control of the situation in the corridor
- BWalk away and ignore the relative until they have calmed down on their own
- CStay calm, lower your voice and offer to talk privately✓
- DThreaten to call the security team straight away unless the relative stops shouting
Answer: Remaining calm, using a quiet tone and offering a private space helps de-escalate the situation and shows respect. Matching aggression or dismissing the person escalates conflict.