CET Communication & Client Relations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient who is hard of hearing arrives for an echocardiogram without an interpreter. The most appropriate action is to:
- Speak louder and proceed with the exam
- Seek a qualified interpreter or use written communication to ensure informed consent (Correct answer)
- Have a family member interpret all instructions
- Cancel the appointment
Correct answer: Seek a qualified interpreter or use written communication to ensure informed consent
Qualified interpretation or written communication is required for informed consent and effective patient communication with hearing-impaired individuals.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of obtaining informed consent before a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
- To protect the hospital from lawsuits only
- To ensure the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives (Correct answer)
- To fulfill a billing requirement
- To document the patient's insurance information
Correct answer: To ensure the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives
Informed consent ensures the patient has sufficient information to make a voluntary, autonomous decision about their care.
Question 3: A patient expresses frustration about the long wait time before their echo. The best response is to:
- Apologize, validate their frustration, and provide a realistic update on timing (Correct answer)
- Tell them all patients wait and it cannot be helped
- Blame the schedule on other departments
- Ignore the comment and begin setting up equipment
Correct answer: Apologize, validate their frustration, and provide a realistic update on timing
Validating frustration and providing honest information demonstrates respect and maintains a therapeutic relationship.
Question 4: When a non-English-speaking patient requires an echocardiogram, which interpreter option is generally most appropriate?
- A bilingual coworker from any department
- A minor family member who speaks English
- A professional medical interpreter in person or via video/phone (Correct answer)
- No interpreter if the exam is non-invasive
Correct answer: A professional medical interpreter in person or via video/phone
Professional medical interpreters are trained in medical terminology and confidentiality, making them the preferred resource for language assistance.
Question 5: Which behavior most undermines trust during a patient encounter?
- Maintaining eye contact
- Interrupting the patient frequently (Correct answer)
- Using the patient's preferred name
- Explaining each step before performing it
Correct answer: Interrupting the patient frequently
Frequent interruption signals disrespect and prevents patients from fully expressing their concerns, eroding trust.
Question 6: A patient discloses domestic violence during the echo appointment. The sonographer should:
- Continue the exam without acknowledgment to avoid embarrassing the patient
- Listen supportively, ensure privacy, and follow facility protocol for mandatory reporting and referral (Correct answer)
- Ask probing questions about the abuser
- Immediately call police without consulting the patient
Correct answer: Listen supportively, ensure privacy, and follow facility protocol for mandatory reporting and referral
Mandatory reporting obligations and proper referral pathways must be followed, while maintaining the patient's dignity and safety.
Question 7: After a difficult echo, a patient praises the sonographer's patience. The most professional response is to:
- Say nothing and continue charting
- Acknowledge the comment warmly and express appreciation for the patient's cooperation (Correct answer)
- Deflect by saying anyone would have done the same
- Ask the patient to leave a formal written review immediately
Correct answer: Acknowledge the comment warmly and express appreciation for the patient's cooperation
Acknowledging positive feedback graciously while recognizing the patient's effort reinforces a therapeutic relationship and models professionalism.
CET Communication & Client Relations 3
A patient who is hard of hearing arrives for an echocardiogram without an interpreter.
The most appropriate action is to: