Communication and Interpersonal Skills Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA 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 and Interpersonal Skills flashcards as text
A client refuses a bath, citing personal preference. What communication approach is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Document the refusal, explore alternatives (e.g., sponge bath), and report to your supervisor
Offering alternatives respects autonomy while ensuring hygiene needs are addressed; documentation and supervisor notification are required.
Cultural humility in PCA communication means:
Answer: Acknowledging your own biases and remaining open to learning from each client's unique cultural values
Cultural humility is an ongoing process of self-reflection and openness, recognizing that individuals vary even within cultural groups.
Which of the following is an example of a BARRIER to effective communication?
Answer: Using medical jargon the client is unfamiliar with
Medical jargon creates confusion and makes clients feel excluded; plain language improves comprehension and trust.
A client discloses that they have been feeling hopeless and not wanting to live. Your IMMEDIATE responsibility is to:
Answer: Listen carefully, take the disclosure seriously, and report it to your supervisor immediately
Any expression of hopelessness or suicidal ideation must be taken seriously and reported immediately — PCAs must not assess risk level alone.
What does 'congruence' mean in the context of PCA communication?
Answer: Ensuring your verbal message matches your nonverbal behavior
Congruence means your words, tone, and body language all send the same message, building trust and clarity.
When a client's family member insists on speaking for the client who is capable of speaking for themselves, the PCA should:
Answer: Redirect questions and responses to the client directly, involving the family only as appropriate
Competent clients have the right to speak for themselves; the PCA should engage them directly to preserve autonomy.
A PCA who frequently interrupts clients while they are speaking is most likely to cause:
Answer: Decreased trust and the client feeling unheard
Interrupting signals disrespect and causes clients to stop sharing important information, harming the therapeutic relationship.