Question 1

A nurse in the emergency department is completing an emergency assessment for a teenager just admitted for injuries from a motor vehicle accident. Which of the following documentations is a pertinent negative report?

Accepted Answer

A pertinent negative report is a clinical finding or piece of information that is not present and is significant in helping to narrow down a diagnosis or understand a patient's condition. In this case, the teenager denying headache and blurry vision (B) is a pertinent negative because it helps to rule out certain conditions, such as a concussion or intracranial injury, which are important considerations after a motor vehicle accident.

Question 2

During the summarization phase of the interview it is important to

Accepted Answer

During the summarization phase, the focus is on ensuring that the patient's report, needs, feelings, and concerns are clearly understood and clarified.

Question 3

You are assessing a patient who does not seem to understand your questions and explanations. What should be your next action?

Accepted Answer

Asking the patient if he or she understands what you are saying is crucial for effective communication. It allows you to assess comprehension and adjust your communication strategy as needed to ensure the patient fully understands the information being provided.

Question 4

A patient is having his annual physical examination. You are doing a health history related to male breasts. You ask the patient if he has ever palpated his breasts. He responds, "I cannot believe that you asked me that question. I am not a woman and cannot get breast cancer." The nurse responds, "You sound surprised. You don't think that men can get breast cancer?" What type of communication technique is the nurse using?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is using the reflecting technique by mirroring the patient's feelings and statement back to him, which encourages the patient to elaborate or consider his thoughts and feelings on the subject.

Question 5

Your patient reports that he thinks that he may have a problem with drinking too much beer. The nurse states, "So, do you drink about two beers every day?" What type of communication technique is this question?

Accepted Answer

This question is an example of leading the patient because it suggests a specific answer or directs the patient's response in a particular direction, rather than allowing the patient to freely describe their drinking habits.

Question 6

You are about to start the health history. The patient is present with his daughter. Which of the following priority steps should you take before you start the health history?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining permission from the patient for the daughter to be present respects the patient's privacy and autonomy, ensuring that they are comfortable with the arrangement before proceeding with the health history.

Question 7

The patient just had abdominal surgery and reports that she is feeling bloated and crampy. The nurse inspects her abdomen and finds it to be bloated. The nurse tells the patient, "You will feel better tomorrow." This is an example of which communication technique?

Accepted Answer

The nurse's response, "You will feel better tomorrow," is an example of using clichés. Clichés are stereotyped expressions that are often used but lack originality and sincerity, and in this context, they do not address the patient's specific concerns or feelings.

Question 8

The visiting nurse is going to start an interview at a patient's home. The patient is watching television. The patient is hard of hearing and reports that her left ear is her good ear. Which nursing intervention should take highest priority?

Accepted Answer

Turning down the television volume is the highest priority to reduce background noise, making it easier for the patient to hear and understand the nurse, especially given the patient's reported hearing difficulty.

Question 9

You are about to start an interview with the husband and wife present. The husband tells the nurse that his wife may not tell her everything that she needs to know. He states that in his wife's culture, feelings are considered private and difficult to share. Sharing one's feelings with others often creates a sense of vulnerability or is looked on as evidence of weakness. What culture is his wife?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You are about to start an interview...

Question 10

Which consideration should the nurse recognize as priority when interviewing the patient?

Accepted Answer

The developmental level of a patient is a priority consideration during an interview because it directly influences the patient's ability to understand, communicate, and engage in the healthcare process. Tailoring communication to the patient's developmental stage ensures effective exchange of information.

Question 11

The patient is telling you that she is very upset because her mother passed away last month. She states, "I do not know how I am going to survive without my mom. I loved her so much." The nurse says, "I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. This must be a very difficult time for you." What communication technique is the nurse demonstrating?

Accepted Answer

The nurse is demonstrating empathy by acknowledging the patient's feelings and expressing sorrow for her loss, which helps to validate the patient's emotions and show understanding of her situation.

Question 12

The hospital nurse is conducting the initial interview with a patient who does not speak the same language as the nurse. What is a general principle when finding an interpreter?

Accepted Answer

Using a trained interpreter ensures accurate and confidential communication between the nurse and the patient, adhering to professional standards and reducing the risk of misinterpretation. Family members may not be objective, may lack medical vocabulary, and could breach confidentiality.

Question 13

As you enter the examination room to start the health history interview, the patient immediately starts yelling at you because he waited 45 minutes in the waiting room. He is angry and upset. You should:

Accepted Answer

Not arguing with the patient and showing empathy is the best approach in this situation. It helps to validate the patient's feelings without escalating the situation.

Question 14

The three phases of the interview, in order, are: 1) ____________________, 2) ____________________, and 3) ____________________.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The three phases of the interview, in...

Quiz 2: Interviewing the Patient for the Health History