Arizona State University (ASU) NUR 352 Fundamental Concepts in Nursing Exam 1 Practice Exam

Assertive communication means expressing thoughts, needs, and concerns openly and honestly while respecting others’ rights. In nursing, this approach supports patient safety and teamwork because you state your position clearly, use “I” statements, and invite discussion without attacking others. It lets you advocate for patients, seek clarifications, and participate in collaborative problem-solving.

This contrasts with aggressive behavior, which can be controlling and disrespectful and undermine trust and safety. It also isn’t about avoiding eye contact, which signals passivity and uncertainty rather than confidence. And it isn’t about withholding information to confuse others, which is deceptive and unprofessional. An assertive statement might be, for example, “I’m concerned about this plan and would like to discuss alternatives to ensure the patient’s safety.”