Communication & Client Relations Flashcards
7 cards from real CET practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Communication & Client Relations flashcards as text
A patient with severe anxiety hyperventilates at the start of the echo. The sonographer's priority is to:
Answer: Pause the exam, speak calmly, coach slow breathing, and notify clinical staff if symptoms persist
Pausing to calm the patient and monitoring for escalation protects safety while maintaining a supportive environment.
Which technique is most effective for confirming a patient understands post-procedure TEE instructions?
Answer: Having the patient verbally repeat the key instructions in their own words (teach-back)
Teach-back is the evidence-based gold standard for confirming patient understanding of instructions.
When a patient reports an allergy to ultrasound gel during intake, the sonographer should:
Answer: Document the allergy, consult with the ordering team, and use an alternative product if available
Documenting the reported allergy and investigating alternatives is the safest and most patient-centered response.
A sonographer feels a patient is being verbally abusive. The most professional response is to:
Answer: Calmly set a professional boundary, explain the behavior is not acceptable, and involve a supervisor if it continues
Calmly setting a clear boundary while offering to continue care respects both the professional's rights and the patient's healthcare needs.
A patient states they do not want certain echo findings shared with their spouse who is in the waiting room. The sonographer should:
Answer: Respect the patient's directive and ensure the team is aware of the restriction
Patients have the right to control who receives their health information, and this directive must be communicated to the entire care team.
Which nonverbal behavior most conveys attentiveness and respect during a patient interaction?
Answer: Facing the patient, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and leaning slightly forward
Open body posture, eye contact, and orientation toward the patient nonverbally communicate engagement and respect.
A patient with end-stage heart failure becomes tearful and says they feel hopeless. The sonographer's best response is to:
Answer: Offer a brief empathic acknowledgment and ensure the care team is aware of the patient's emotional state
Acknowledging the patient's emotional pain and communicating it to the care team ensures holistic, safe care without overstepping the sonographer's scope.