CHPNA Patient and Family Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the nursing assistant's role in family education about the dying process?
- Provide detailed clinical lectures to the family
- Reinforce information already given by the nurse, answer simple questions, and refer complex questions to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Tell the family everything they need to know independently
- Avoid discussing the dying process with the family
Correct answer: Reinforce information already given by the nurse, answer simple questions, and refer complex questions to the nurse
Nursing assistants reinforce teachings provided by the nurse, answer simple supportive questions, and refer clinical or complex questions to the nurse.
Question 2: When a patient expresses anger, the best response from the nursing assistant is to:
- Respond with equal firmness
- Leave the room immediately
- Listen without judgment and acknowledge the patient's feelings (Correct answer)
- Tell the patient to calm down
Correct answer: Listen without judgment and acknowledge the patient's feelings
Acknowledging and validating a patient's feelings without judgment is therapeutic and helps the patient feel heard and supported.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication?
- Asking an open-ended question
- Maintaining appropriate eye contact and a calm expression (Correct answer)
- Using medical terminology
- Writing a care plan
Correct answer: Maintaining appropriate eye contact and a calm expression
Nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, eye contact, posture, and touch, all of which convey empathy and attentiveness.
Question 4: Which type of question encourages a patient to share more about their feelings?
- Closed-ended questions (yes/no)
- Open-ended questions (Correct answer)
- Leading questions
- Rhetorical questions
Correct answer: Open-ended questions
Open-ended questions invite the patient to share more detail and express their feelings, promoting therapeutic conversation.
Question 5: When should the nursing assistant use touch as a communication tool in hospice care?
- Never, as it is unprofessional
- Only when discussing medications
- When appropriate and with the patient's consent, to convey comfort and empathy (Correct answer)
- Only when the patient is unconscious
Correct answer: When appropriate and with the patient's consent, to convey comfort and empathy
Appropriate touch, such as gently holding a hand with the patient's consent, can convey warmth, empathy, and compassion in palliative care settings.
Question 6: If a patient says, 'I feel like a burden to my family,' the most therapeutic response is:
- 'Don't worry, your family is fine.'
- 'Tell me more about how you're feeling.' (Correct answer)
- 'That is not true.'
- 'I'll ask your family if they agree.'
Correct answer: 'Tell me more about how you're feeling.'
Encouraging the patient to share more promotes therapeutic communication, validates their feelings, and allows deeper support of emotional needs.
CHPNA Patient and Family Communication 2
What is the nursing assistant's role in family education about the dying process?