Listening to Patient Dialogues Flashcards
7 cards from real CELBAN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Listening to Patient Dialogues flashcards as text
A patient undergoing post-surgical recovery says: 'I think I might be running a fever — I feel really hot and my incision site seems redder than yesterday.' What is the priority nursing action after hearing this?
Answer: Take the patient's temperature and assess the incision site for signs of infection
The nurse must first gather objective data — vital signs and wound assessment — before determining whether escalation is needed.
During a care conference, a family member states: 'We want everything done — we can't just let him go.' The patient previously told a nurse he did not want aggressive interventions. What should the nurse do?
Answer: Advocate for the patient's expressed wishes and raise the need to clarify goals of care
Nurses are obligated to advocate for the patient's expressed wishes and facilitate a goals-of-care conversation that honors patient autonomy.
A patient newly diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes tells her husband during your assessment: 'I guess I just have to give up everything I enjoy eating.' What does this statement suggest to the nurse?
Answer: The patient holds a misconception about diabetes management that requires education
The patient's all-or-nothing thinking suggests a misconception; a dietitian referral and education about balanced meal planning are indicated.
You hear a pediatric patient tell their parent: 'The nurse gave me a needle but I didn't cry because she told me to squeeze your hand.' What does this dialogue reveal about effective nursing technique?
Answer: Distraction and comfort strategies reduce procedural distress in pediatric patients
The nurse's use of a coping instruction (hand-squeezing as distraction) demonstrates evidence-based non-pharmacological pain management in pediatrics.
During shift change report, a nurse states: 'Mr. Chen keeps refusing his evening medications — says they make him feel foggy.' What should the oncoming nurse investigate first?
Answer: The specific medications involved and whether cognitive side effects are documented or expected
Identifying which medications cause fogginess allows the nurse and provider to review the regimen for dose timing changes or alternatives before more complex steps.
A patient tells an interpreter during a translated consultation: 'I don't want to tell the doctor everything because I'm afraid they will judge me.' The interpreter relays this verbatim. How should the nurse respond?
Answer: Acknowledge the patient's concern and reassure them that disclosures are confidential and non-judgmental
Building trust by validating the patient's fear and affirming confidentiality encourages open disclosure and supports accurate assessment.
An elderly patient says quietly to a nurse during bathing: 'My daughter-in-law controls all my money and I'm not allowed to call anyone.' What type of concern does this statement raise?
Answer: This may indicate financial abuse and/or social isolation requiring a safeguarding assessment
Statements suggesting financial control and restricted communication are red flags for elder abuse that mandate a safeguarding assessment.