CHPNA Patient and Family Communication 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an example of active listening?
- Interrupting to offer advice
- Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and reflecting back what the patient says (Correct answer)
- Changing the subject when the patient is upset
- Talking about your own experiences
Correct answer: Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and reflecting back what the patient says
Active listening involves giving full attention, using non-verbal cues like eye contact and nodding, and reflecting the patient's words to show understanding.
Question 2: When communicating with a patient from a different cultural background, the nursing assistant should:
- Assume all patients have the same beliefs
- Respect individual and cultural differences and ask about preferences (Correct answer)
- Speak louder to ensure understanding
- Avoid the topic of death entirely
Correct answer: Respect individual and cultural differences and ask about preferences
Effective communication requires recognizing and respecting cultural differences in beliefs, rituals, communication styles, and end-of-life preferences.
Question 3: What does 'therapeutic communication' mean in hospice care?
- Using medical terminology exclusively
- Communication that promotes the emotional well-being and comfort of the patient (Correct answer)
- Therapy sessions led by the nursing assistant
- Communicating only about physical symptoms
Correct answer: Communication that promotes the emotional well-being and comfort of the patient
Therapeutic communication uses specific techniques to support emotional well-being, build trust, and comfort patients and families in difficult situations.
Question 4: Which communication technique involves restating the patient's message in your own words?
- Clarification
- Paraphrasing (Correct answer)
- Distraction
- Projection
Correct answer: Paraphrasing
Paraphrasing involves restating the patient's message in your own words to confirm understanding and show that you are listening.
Question 5: A family member tells the nursing assistant not to tell the patient their diagnosis. The nursing assistant should:
- Agree and withhold information from the patient
- Comply but feel free to share if the patient asks
- Inform the supervising nurse of the family's request (Correct answer)
- Immediately tell the patient their diagnosis
Correct answer: Inform the supervising nurse of the family's request
The nursing assistant should report the family's concern to the supervising nurse; disclosure decisions involve the full care team, physician, and ethical considerations.
Question 6: Which statement is most appropriate when offering condolences to a grieving family member?
- 'I know exactly how you feel.'
- 'At least they are no longer suffering.'
- 'I am so sorry for your loss. I am here if you need anything.' (Correct answer)
- 'You should feel better soon.'
Correct answer: 'I am so sorry for your loss. I am here if you need anything.'
Expressing sincere condolences and offering presence is most appropriate; avoid minimizing grief or making assumptions about how the person feels.
CHPNA Patient and Family Communication 1
Which of the following is an example of active listening?