APC Patient Communication Skills 2

Question 1

A patient with low health literacy asks you to explain their antibiotic regimen. Which approach is MOST effective?

Accepted Answer

Use plain language and ask the patient to repeat the instructions back

Answer

Teach-back method combined with plain language confirms patient understanding and is the gold standard for low-health-literacy counseling.

Question 2

When counseling a patient about a newly dispensed medication, which component is LEAST essential to include?

Accepted Answer

The medication's chemical synthesis pathway

Answer

The chemical synthesis pathway is not clinically relevant for patient counseling; focus on practical use, side effects, and safety information.

Question 3

A patient refuses to take a prescribed statin, citing concerns about side effects heard from a friend. The pharmacist's BEST response is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the concern, provide evidence-based information, and involve the patient in a shared decision

Answer

Acknowledging the patient's concern and using shared decision-making respects autonomy while providing accurate information to support informed choice.

Question 4

Which non-verbal communication behavior is MOST likely to undermine patient trust during a counseling session?

Accepted Answer

Crossing arms and looking at the computer screen

Answer

Crossed arms and averted gaze signal disengagement and defensiveness, reducing patient confidence in the pharmacist.

Question 5

A patient who is deaf arrives to collect a prescription. The pharmacist does NOT know sign language. What is the MOST appropriate first step?

Accepted Answer

Ask the patient their preferred communication method before proceeding

Answer

Asking the patient their preferred communication method respects their autonomy and ensures the most effective and appropriate exchange.

(APC) Australian Pharmacy Council Practice Test

(APC) Australian Pharmacy Council Practice Test

APC Patient Communication Skills 2