Chapter 11: Asking Questions

REAL conversations, as described by John Stoker (2013), should contain multiple facets. As a nurse, we know when approaching patients, our care should be REAL, meaning we should do all of the following except: A. Recognize judgments B. Express biased thoughts C. Ask questions D. Listen for verbal and nonverbal messages

ANS: B "REAL conversation: Recognize judgments. Express thoughts neutrally. Ask questions. Listen for verbal and nonverbal messages" (John Stoker, 2013).

Andy Andrews, a well-known author and speaker, was once homeless and lived on the streets for a season of his life. Discussing the lessons learned as he looked back over his journey, he was quoted as recommending one of the following as a key to moving forward: A. Ruminating about alternatives B. Asking proper questions C. Utilizing negative self-talk D. Increasing your self-advocacy

ANS: B Many of life's treasures remain hidden from us simply because we never search for them. Often we do not ask the proper questions that might lead us to the answer to all our challenges (Andy Andrews, 2011). He did not recommend ruminating about alternatives, utilizing negative self-task, or increasing your self-advocacy.

A nurse is uncomfortable when asking patients about their sexual practices and behaviors. It is most appropriate for the nurse to take which action? A. Avoid asking these questions unless the patient initiates a discussion on sexual behaviors. B. Practice asking these types of questions in a simulated situation with a colleague. C. Ask a nurse who is comfortable with these types of questions to interview the patient. D. Tell the patient that asking sexual questions is difficult and uncomfortable for a nurse.

ANS: B To improve the ability to be at ease when asking questions in a variety of areas, the nurse may rehearse with friends or colleagues. If the nurse cannot overcome being uncomfortable with asking sexual questions, the nurse should be honest with the patient or have another nurse interview the patient. The nurse should not avoid asking questions regarding sexual behavior.

Which three technique(s) should be avoided when the nurse questions patients? (Select all that apply) A. Use questions that are worded clearly with words the patient understands. B. Provide a detailed explanation to introduce the rationale for the questions. C. Offer the patient options and tell the patient which option is preferred. D. Avoid asking a patient "why" by rephrasing the question if possible. E. Ask three to five questions at a time, and then allow the patient to answer.

ANS: B, C, E The nurse should provide a concise statement as a rationale for questioning. If the nurse offers the patient options, the nurse should allow the patient time to speak and make a decision without interruptions. The nurse should not ask a string of questions because the patient may become confused and not know what information is important or where to begin answering. The nurse should not use medical terminology, abbreviations, or medical jargon that the patient does not understand. When asking the patient questions, the nurse should refrain from using "why" by rephrasing the question so it is softer and more receivable.

4. The nurse questions a patient with hypertension before developing a teaching plan. Which question, if asked by the nurse, is most appropriate? A. "How long have you had hypertension?" B. "Are you taking any blood pressure medications?" C. "What do you know about hypertension?" D. "Do you understand why salt is bad for you?"

ANS: C Open questions (e.g., "What do you know about hypertension?") invite respondents to elaborate in whatever direction they choose. Closed questions are focused and posed to elicit specific and brief responses from clients. Questions (e.g., "Are you taking any blood pressure medications?" or "Do you understand why salt is bad for you?") that only require a "yes" or "no" do not invite the patient to elaborate further about the experience. Questions that require a short answer (e.g., "How long have you had hypertension?") do not provide an opportunity for the patient to elaborate further about hypertension.

An experienced nurse supervises a novice nurse interviewing a patient. The experienced nurse should intervene if which is observed? A. The novice nurse uses simple language instead of medical terms. B. The novice nurse avoids asking the patient "why" questions. C. The novice nurse leaves the patient without providing feedback. D. The novice nurse asks mostly open-ended health history questions.

ANS: C The nurse should give patient feedback after an interview to help the patient feel connected and respected. Patients feel left out when nurses end an interview without giving them any indication of the assessment. Informing patients of what is happening, including plans and what patients can expect, provides helpful transitions so that they can map their progress, feel included, and minimize worrying about erroneous assumptions. The nurse should use simple language, avoid "why" questions, and use mostly open- ended questions.