COT Patient Care and Communication

Question 1

Before performing any ophthalmic test, the technician should FIRST:

Accepted Answer

Verify patient identity and review the chief complaint

Answer

Dim the room lights

Answer

Instill dilating drops

Answer

Check the instrument calibration

Question 2

When documenting a patient's visual acuity as 20/40, what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

The patient sees at 20 feet what a normal eye sees at 40 feet

Answer

The patient sees at 40 feet what a normal eye sees at 20 feet

Answer

The patient has 40% vision in one eye

Answer

The patient requires a +2.00 correction

Question 3

Which communication technique is most appropriate when explaining a new diagnosis to an anxious patient?

Accepted Answer

Use plain language, maintain eye contact, and allow questions

Answer

Use complex medical terminology to appear authoritative

Answer

Speak quickly to reduce their anxiety sooner

Answer

Avoid the topic to prevent further distress

Question 4

HIPAA regulations require that patient health information be shared with:

Accepted Answer

Only those with a clinical need to know

Answer

Any staff member in the practice

Answer

Family members who ask

Answer

Insurance companies without authorization

Question 5

What is the correct technique for documenting a medication allergy in a patient record?

Accepted Answer

Document allergy, reaction type, and severity prominently in the chart

Answer

Write it only on the pharmacy form

Answer

Record it verbally to the physician only

Answer

Note it only if the allergy is life-threatening

Question 6

When assisting a patient with low vision in an unfamiliar clinic environment, you should:

Accepted Answer

Offer a sighted guide technique and let the patient take your arm

Answer

Hold their arm and guide them without asking

Answer

Walk quickly ahead and instruct them to follow your voice

Answer

Have them wait alone while you fetch a wheelchair