COT Patient Care and Communication 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which practice best demonstrates respect for patient autonomy in the ophthalmic setting?
- Deciding the best test sequence without patient input
- Informing the patient of each procedure and obtaining verbal consent before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Completing all tests before explaining their purpose
- Prioritizing efficiency over patient questions
Correct answer: Informing the patient of each procedure and obtaining verbal consent before proceeding
Informing patients and obtaining consent before each procedure respects their autonomy and right to make informed decisions.
Question 2: An elderly patient with hearing loss frequently asks the technician to repeat instructions. What is the BEST accommodation?
- Speak louder and more slowly each time
- Face the patient directly, speak clearly, and supplement with written instructions (Correct answer)
- Ask a family member to relay all information
- Use hand gestures exclusively
Correct answer: Face the patient directly, speak clearly, and supplement with written instructions
Facing the patient, using clear speech, and providing written backup are evidence-based strategies for communicating with hearing-impaired patients.
Question 3: A patient discloses during intake that they have been experiencing depression and asks the technician to keep it confidential from the doctor. How should the technician respond?
- Agree to keep the information confidential as requested
- Document the information in the chart, as it may be clinically relevant (Correct answer)
- Ignore the information since it is not related to eye care
- Refer the patient to a psychiatrist without documenting
Correct answer: Document the information in the chart, as it may be clinically relevant
All clinically relevant history, including mental health disclosures that may affect medications or compliance, should be documented and shared with the physician.
Question 4: What does the 'teach-back' method involve in patient education?
- Repeating instructions to the patient three times
- Asking the patient to explain the information back in their own words (Correct answer)
- Providing a video tutorial after the appointment
- Having the patient sign an education acknowledgment form
Correct answer: Asking the patient to explain the information back in their own words
The teach-back method confirms patient understanding by having them restate information in their own words.
Question 5: A patient refuses dilation after the physician has ordered it. What is the technician's most appropriate action?
- Dilate the patient anyway since the physician ordered it
- Document the refusal, inform the physician, and respect the patient's decision (Correct answer)
- Convince the patient that refusal is not allowed
- Cancel the appointment immediately
Correct answer: Document the refusal, inform the physician, and respect the patient's decision
Patients have the right to refuse any procedure; the technician must document the refusal and notify the physician.
Question 6: Which statement BEST describes the role of active listening during patient history-taking?
- Formulating the next question while the patient speaks
- Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing patient responses (Correct answer)
- Writing notes without looking up to capture every detail
- Interrupting when the patient drifts off topic
Correct answer: Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing patient responses
Active listening involves nonverbal engagement and paraphrasing to validate understanding and encourage complete disclosure.
Question 7: When a visually impaired patient arrives alone to the clinic, what is the most appropriate way to guide them?
- Take the patient's arm and guide them from behind
- Walk ahead and verbally direct the patient to follow
- Offer your arm and let the patient hold it while you walk slightly ahead (Correct answer)
- Ask other staff to carry the patient to the exam chair
Correct answer: Offer your arm and let the patient hold it while you walk slightly ahead
The sighted guide technique involves offering your arm and walking slightly ahead so the patient can follow naturally and safely.
COT Patient Care and Communication 5
Which practice best demonstrates respect for patient autonomy in the ophthalmic setting?