Patient Communication Skills Flashcards

A patient asks whether aromatherapy can cure their diagnosed anxiety disorder. The most appropriate practitioner response is:

Answer: Explain that aromatherapy can support well-being but does not cure medical diagnoses, and encourage continued care with their physician

Practitioners must represent the scope of aromatherapy accurately and support collaboration with licensed medical providers.

Which active listening behavior signals to a patient that the practitioner is fully engaged?

Answer: Nodding, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and paraphrasing key points back to the patient

Non-verbal cues like nodding and reflective paraphrasing demonstrate engagement and help patients feel heard.

A practitioner receives a phone call from a patient's spouse asking about the treatment plan. The correct action is to:

Answer: Decline to share any information without the patient's signed authorization

Patient health information cannot be disclosed to any third party, including family, without a signed authorization under HIPAA.

During a consultation, a practitioner asks, 'Tell me what brings you in today.' This is an example of:

Answer: An open-ended question that invites narrative and broader disclosure

Open-ended questions like 'Tell me…' invite patients to share freely and are ideal for initial intake.

A patient from a culture where direct eye contact is considered disrespectful avoids looking at the practitioner. The best response is to:

Answer: Recognize the cultural context and adapt communication style without drawing attention to it

Culturally competent practitioners recognize that communication norms vary and adapt without judgment or correction.

A practitioner suspects a patient may be experiencing domestic abuse based on physical findings and behavioral cues. The appropriate step is to:

Answer: Ask the patient directly in private, provide resources, and follow applicable mandatory reporting laws

Private, compassionate inquiry followed by resource provision and adherence to mandatory reporting laws is the standard trauma-informed response.

What is the purpose of using 'I' statements when addressing a boundary concern with a patient?

Answer: To communicate impact without assigning blame, preserving the therapeutic relationship

'I' statements focus on the practitioner's experience rather than accusation, which reduces defensiveness and maintains rapport.