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Which question would be considered a "leading question?"
a. "Please describe any associated symptoms with your headaches?"
b. "You don't get headaches often, do you?"
c. "What activities affect the severity of your headaches?"
d. "What times of the day are your headaches the most severe?"
e. "What worries you most about your headache?" - (correct Answer) - ANS: B
This question would limit the information in the patient's answer. The other choices allow the patient
more discretion about the extent of an answer.
Which action would best promote accurate translations as well as confidentiality when the caregiver
does not speak the patient's language?
a. Ask a person unfamiliar with the patient to translate.
b. Have a friend of the patient translate.
c. Ask simple leading questions that the patient may understand.
d. Use a neighbor as translator.
e. Involve the family with the translation. - (correct Answer) - ANS: A
When you do not speak the patient's language, family members or friends may pose a communication
barrier and may have issues of confidentiality; a stranger as an interpreter is less biased.
Periods of silence during the interview can serve important purposes, such as:
, a. allowing the clinician to catch up on documentation.
b. giving you a clue that you should speed up the interview.
c. providing time for reflection.
d. increasing the length of the visit.
e. promoting a calm environment. - (correct Answer) - ANS: C
Silence is a useful tool during interviews for the purposes of reflection, summoning of courage, and
displaying compassion. It is usually a clue for you to go slower and not to push too hard.
Which technique is most likely to result in the patient's understanding of questions?
a. Use phrases that are commonly used by other patients in the area.
b. Use the patient's own terms if possible
c. Use language that keeps the patient from being expansive in his or her answer.
d. Use proper medical and technical terminology.
e. Use the simplest language possible. - (correct Answer) - ANS: B
To ensure that your questions have been correctly understood, be clear, and explicit while using the
patient's idiom and level of understanding.
A patient becomes restless during the history and says, "I don't have time for all of this conversation. I've
got to get back to work." Your most appropriate response would be to:
a. stop using open-ended questions and become more direct.
b. ask another open-ended question and insist on an answer.
c. ask questions about his anger and move closer to him.
d. acknowledge his anger and proceed with the history and examination.
e. ignore his displeasure and become more assertive about getting answers. - (correct Answer) - ANS: D
This is the only answer that resists the tendency for patient manipulation, pursues the information, and
confronts the patient's anger.
When questioning a patient regarding alcohol intake, she tells you that she is "only a social drinker."
Which initial response is appropriate?