Exam 1/Week 1 - Interview Process

11. Knowledge of the use of personal space is helpful for the health care provider. Personal distance is generally considered to be: a. 0 to 1.5 feet. b. 1.5 to 4 feet. c. 4 to 12 feet. d. 12 or more feet.

1.5 to 4 feet.

9. Children usually come for health care with a parent. At about what age should the interviewer begin to question the child himself or herself regarding presenting symptoms? a. 5 years b. 7 years c. 9 years d. 11 years

7 years

4. A patient asks the nurse, "May I ask you a question?" This is an example of: a. An open-ended question b. A reflective question c. A closed question d. A double-barreled question

A closed question Rationale: What the patient asked can be answered with a yes or no or can be answered with either a single word or a short phrase.

15. With older adults, how should the examiner proceed with the interview? a. Proceed in a more organized and concise manner. b. Consider the fatigue of the older person and break the interview into shorter segments. c. Ask a family member to complete some of the records while moving ahead with the interview. d. Raise your voice if the patient does not appear to hear you.

Consider the fatigue of the older person and break the interview into shorter segments. Rationale: Due to aging, elderly typically have reduced cognitive health which includes memory recollection, memory span, or focus.

2. What is exhibiting an accurate understanding of the other person's feelings within a communication context. a. Empathy b. Liking others c. Facilitation d. A nonverbal listening technique

Empathy Rationale: Empathizing with others is putting yourself in another's shoes and therefore, truly understanding another person's feelings.

3. You conduct an admission interview. Because you are expecting a phone call, you stand near the door. Which would be a more appropriate approach? a. Arrange to have someone page you so you can sit on the side of the bed. b. Have someone else answer the phone so you can sit facing the patient. c. Use this approach given the circumstances. d. Arrange for a time free of interruptions after the initial physical examination is complete.

Have someone else answer the phone so you can sit facing the patient. Rationale: Sitting while facing the client is the proper open body-language. Do not sit side by side, or stand far near the door.

5. Which statement best describes interpretation as a communication technique? a. Interpretation is the same as clarification. b. Interpretation is a summary of a statement made by a patient. c. Interpretation is used to focus on a particular aspect of what the patient has just said. d. Interpretation is based on the interviewer's inference from the data that have been presented.

Interpretation is based on the interviewer's inference from the data that have been presented. Rationale: Interpretation is not the same as clarification, is not based on a particular aspect or a single statement that the patient made. Instead, it is an inference (a conclusion or opinion that is formed) based on the data presented.

8. For what or with whom should touch be used during the interview? a. Only with individuals from a Western culture b. As a routine way of establishing contact with the person and communicating empathy c. Only with patients of the same gender d. Only if the interviewer knows the person well

Only if the interviewer knows the person well. Rationale: Not every patient appreciates touch as a comfort measure, therefore it is only reserved for people you know very well.

12. Mr. B. tells you, "Everyone here ignores me." You respond, "Ignores you?" This technique is best described as: a. Clarification. b. Selective listening. c. Reflecting. d. Validation.

Reflecting Rationale: By responding "ignores you"? you facilitate the patient's recollection of what made them feel ignored. So although it seems like the you are trying to get clarification, it's really a technique to get them to reflect.

10. Because of adolescents' developmental level, not all interviewing techniques can be used with them. Which techniques should be avoided? a. Facilitation and clarification b. Confrontation and explanation c. Empathy and interpretations d. Silence and reflection

Silence and reflection

1. The practitioner, entering the examining room to meet a patient for the first time, states: "Hello, I'm M.M., and I'm here to gather some information from you and to perform your examination. This will take about 30 minutes. D.D. is a student working with me. If it's all right with you, she will remain during the examination." Which of the following must be added to cover all aspects of the interview contract? a. A statement regarding confidentiality, patient costs, and the expectations of each person b. The purpose of the interview and the role of the interviewer c. Time and place of the interview and a confidentiality statement d. An explicit purpose of the interview and a description of the physical examination, including diagnostic studies

Statement regarding confidentiality, patient costs, and the expectations of each person.

13. What does active listening NOT include? a. Taking detailed notes during the interview b. Watching for clues in body language c. Repeating statements back to the person to make sure you have understood d. Asking open-ended questions to explore the person's perspective

Taking detailed notes during the interview. Rationale: Taking notes is important during an interview, but not while trying to actively listen, while all the other options either pay attention to the patient's tone, perspective, or behavior.

6. Which demonstrates a good understanding of the interview process? a. The nurse stops the patient each time something is said that is not understood. b. The nurse spends more time listening to the patient than talking. c. The nurse is consistently thinking of his or her next response so the patient will know he or she is understood. d. The nurse uses "why" questions to seek clarification of unusual symptoms or behavior.

The nurse spends more time listening to the patient than talking. Rationale: Active listening is an integral part of the interview process. Asking why is not a good idea because that is often times why the patient is seeking care. Interrupting the patient and constantly thinking of next response is not good interview technique.

14. When interviewing a patient who does not speak English, the examiner should: a. Take advantage of family members who are readily available and willing to assist. b. Use a qualified medical interpreter who is culturally literate. c. Seek as much information as possible and then continue with the physical examination. d. Wait until a qualified medical interpreter is available before starting the interview.

Use a qualified medical interpreter who is culturally literate. Rationale: Remember, interpreters are the best resource you can utilize in this situation.

7. During an interview, a patient denies having any anxiety. The patient frequently changes position in the chair, holds his arms folded tight against his chest, and has little eye contact with the interviewer. The interviewer should: a. Use confrontation to bring the discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal behavior to the patient's attention. b. Proceed with the interview. Patients usually are truthful with a health care practitioner. c. Make a mental note to discuss the behavior after the physical examination is completed. d. Proceed with the interview and examination as outlined on the agency assessment form. The patient's behavior is appropriate for the circumstances.

Use confrontation to bring the discrepancy between verbal and nonverbal behavior to the patient's attention. Rationale: Confronting the patient to find the inconsistency between the patient's verbal behavior and the body language he/she is exhibiting.