Communication Skills Flashcards

A patient with hearing loss is struggling to understand your instructions. What is the BEST initial approach?

Answer: Face the patient directly and speak clearly at a normal pace

Facing the patient and speaking clearly allows them to use lip-reading cues and benefit from visual communication alongside auditory input.

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?

Answer: Can you describe how you have been feeling this week?

Open-ended questions invite detailed responses and cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.

When documenting patient information, which principle is most important?

Answer: Document objectively, accurately, and in a timely manner

Accurate, objective, and timely documentation ensures continuity of care and legal protection for all parties.

A coworker shares confidential patient information in the break room. You should:

Answer: Remind the coworker that patient information must remain confidential

HIPAA regulations require protecting patient privacy, and all staff are responsible for maintaining confidentiality in all settings.

Which communication barrier is MOST likely caused by medical jargon?

Answer: Lack of shared understanding between sender and receiver

Medical jargon creates a semantic barrier when the patient lacks the knowledge to interpret technical terminology.

During a phone call with a patient, you should ALWAYS:

Answer: Identify yourself and your facility at the start of the call

Proper phone etiquette in healthcare begins with identifying yourself and your organization to establish trust and professionalism.

Therapeutic communication differs from social communication primarily because it:

Answer: Is focused on the patient's needs and well-being

Therapeutic communication is a purposeful, patient-centered approach aimed at supporting and understanding the patient's health needs.