CELBAN Listening to Patient Dialogues 2

Question 1

A nurse overhears a patient tell their family member: 'The doctor said something about my potassium being low, but I don't really understand what that means for me.' What is the patient expressing?

Accepted Answer

Confusion about the clinical significance of a lab result

Answer

Satisfaction with the physician's explanation

Answer

Concern that the doctor made a mistake

Answer

A request to speak with a dietitian

Question 2

During a handover, you hear the outgoing nurse say: 'Mrs. Patel in room 4 has been a bit short with staff all morning — she mentioned she didn't sleep at all.' What should the incoming nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Assessing for pain, discomfort, or anxiety that may be causing sleeplessness and irritability

Answer

Documenting the patient's behavioral problem

Answer

Limiting interactions with Mrs. Patel to reduce conflict

Answer

Notifying the physician that the patient is non-compliant

Question 3

A patient says to you: 'I took my blood pressure pill this morning but I'm not sure I should have — I felt dizzy right after.' Which response best demonstrates active listening?

Accepted Answer

'Tell me more about the dizziness — when did it start and how long did it last?'

Answer

'You should always take your medication as prescribed.'

Answer

'That's probably just a side effect, it will go away.'

Answer

'Did you eat breakfast before taking the pill?'

Question 4

While monitoring a shared room, a nurse hears one patient whisper to another: 'I heard the nurses say my test came back bad but nobody's told me officially yet.' What is the most appropriate nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the responsible physician so the patient can receive a proper explanation

Answer

Inform the patient that overheard conversations may be inaccurate

Answer

Confirm or deny the test result immediately to reduce anxiety

Answer

Document that the patient is spreading rumors among peers

Question 5

A patient's son says during a visit: 'My mother keeps saying her pain is a 3 out of 10, but she's clearly grimacing and barely moving. Should I be worried?' What does this dialogue indicate?

Accepted Answer

There may be a discrepancy between the patient's self-report and observable pain cues

Answer

The patient is exaggerating her discomfort to her family

Answer

The family member is over-interpreting normal post-operative behavior

Answer

The numeric pain scale is the most reliable measure available

Question 6

A nurse hears a patient on the phone say: 'They want me to go home tomorrow but I live alone and I'm still so weak — I'm scared.' What is the nurse's best next step?

Accepted Answer

Notify the care team and initiate a discharge planning discussion including social work

Answer

Reassure the patient that discharge criteria are medically determined

Answer

Extend the patient's stay by one day without consulting the physician

Answer

Advise the patient to ask a family member to move in temporarily

Question 7

During a shift, a patient asks their roommate loudly: 'Do you know what NPO means? They told me I can't eat but didn't explain why.' What is the nurse's most appropriate response when they overhear this?

Accepted Answer

Approach the patient and explain that NPO means nothing by mouth, then clarify the reason related to their care

Answer

Allow the roommate to explain so the patient feels comfortable asking peers

Answer

Document that patient education was provided by peer support

Answer

Inform the charge nurse that the patient is confused about their care plan