CLE Counseling & Communication Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following best describes the 'ask-tell-ask' counseling method?
- Ask about symptoms, tell the diagnosis, ask for consent to treat
- Ask what the mother knows, share information, then ask what she understands or wants to know more about (Correct answer)
- Ask for feeding history, tell about latch techniques, ask if she has questions
- Ask about goals, tell about risks, ask her to sign informed consent
Correct answer: Ask what the mother knows, share information, then ask what she understands or wants to know more about
Ask-Tell-Ask is a patient-centered method that builds on existing knowledge, delivers targeted information, and confirms understanding.
Question 2: A mother states she wants to stop breastfeeding at 4 weeks but shows ambivalence. What approach aligns with motivational interviewing?
- Explore both sides of her ambivalence without pushing a specific outcome. (Correct answer)
- List the benefits of continued breastfeeding to shift her decision.
- Support her decision immediately to show respect for autonomy.
- Refer her to a peer support group to change her mind.
Correct answer: Explore both sides of her ambivalence without pushing a specific outcome.
Motivational interviewing explores ambivalence without directing the outcome, allowing the mother to identify her own motivations.
Question 3: Which nonverbal behavior by the CLE most strongly signals active listening?
- Taking detailed notes throughout the conversation
- Maintaining appropriate eye contact and nodding periodically (Correct answer)
- Sitting across a desk to maintain professional boundaries
- Standing near the door to signal session time limits
Correct answer: Maintaining appropriate eye contact and nodding periodically
Eye contact and nodding communicate attentiveness and encourage the mother to continue sharing.
Question 4: When documenting a counseling session, what should the CLE prioritize recording?
- Personal opinions about the mother's feeding choices
- Only clinical observations and latch scores
- Objective observations, mother's stated goals, education provided, and agreed-upon plan (Correct answer)
- A summary of all breastfeeding literature reviewed during the session
Correct answer: Objective observations, mother's stated goals, education provided, and agreed-upon plan
Thorough documentation includes objective data, the mother's perspective, education given, and next steps agreed upon collaboratively.
Question 5: A breastfeeding mother says, 'My mother-in-law keeps telling me my baby isn't getting enough.' How should the CLE respond first?
- Immediately assess weight gain and wet diapers to reassure her with data.
- Educate her on normal infant feeding patterns so she can correct her mother-in-law.
- Acknowledge how difficult it is to receive unsolicited advice from family. (Correct answer)
- Suggest she limit contact with her mother-in-law during early breastfeeding.
Correct answer: Acknowledge how difficult it is to receive unsolicited advice from family.
Acknowledging the emotional difficulty before problem-solving validates the mother's experience and builds trust.
Question 6: In a group breastfeeding education class, one participant dominates the discussion. What is the best facilitation strategy?
- Allow her to continue, as her experience benefits the group.
- Politely redirect by thanking her and inviting others to share. (Correct answer)
- Ask her to save additional comments for a private session.
- End the group discussion and switch to a lecture format.
Correct answer: Politely redirect by thanking her and inviting others to share.
Redirecting by thanking and inviting others maintains group inclusivity while managing dominant participants respectfully.
Question 7: What does 'unconditional positive regard' mean in the context of lactation counseling?
- Agreeing with every decision the mother makes
- Accepting the mother as a person worthy of respect regardless of her feeding choices (Correct answer)
- Providing only positive feedback about breastfeeding progress
- Avoiding any discussion of formula to maintain a pro-breastfeeding stance
Correct answer: Accepting the mother as a person worthy of respect regardless of her feeding choices
Unconditional positive regard, a concept from Carl Rogers, means accepting the mother's inherent worth without conditions or judgment.
CLE Counseling & Communication Skills 3
Which of the following best describes the 'ask-tell-ask' counseling method?