Communication & Client Relations Flashcards

Which communication framework is MOST aligned with supporting behavior change in a reluctant dialysis patient who says 'I know I should limit fluid, but I just can't do it'?

Answer: Motivational interviewing to explore ambivalence and strengthen intrinsic motivation

Motivational interviewing explores and resolves ambivalence, making it ideal for patients who acknowledge the need for change but struggle to act.

A Stage 3 CKD patient in the pre-contemplation stage of behavior change is NOT yet considering dietary modification. The MOST appropriate dietitian response is to:

Answer: Raise awareness of risks without pressuring change, and plant seeds for future readiness

Pre-contemplators are not ready for action; the role of the dietitian is to raise awareness and express concern without creating resistance.

During a group education session for CKD patients, one patient begins correcting the dietitian's statements with inaccurate information from the internet. The BEST response is to:

Answer: Acknowledge the patient's research effort, address the misinformation respectfully, and redirect the group

Acknowledging initiative while respectfully correcting misinformation maintains group trust and prevents the spread of harmful dietary misconceptions.

Which SMART goal is MOST appropriate for a hemodialysis patient struggling with interdialytic weight gain?

Answer: Limit fluid intake to 32 oz daily and track intake in a log for 2 weeks

A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound — setting a specific volume with a tracking method and timeframe meets all criteria.

A renal dietitian is communicating with a patient who has low health literacy. Which strategy is MOST effective?

Answer: Using plain language, visual aids, and limiting information to 2-3 key messages per visit

Plain language, visuals, and limiting key messages per session are evidence-based strategies for effective communication with low health literacy patients.

A patient tells the renal dietitian, 'My previous dietitian told me I could eat as much protein as I want.' The BEST initial response is:

Answer: Acknowledge the discrepancy, ask what stage the patient was at previously, and clarify current recommendations in context

Protein recommendations change with CKD stage and dialysis status, so contextualizing the discrepancy builds trust and prevents confusion.

When conducting telehealth nutrition counseling for a rural CKD patient, the dietitian should prioritize which of the following?

Answer: Confirming the patient can see and hear clearly, then applying the same evidence-based counseling approach as in-person

Telehealth counseling should match in-person quality; confirming audio/visual clarity is a prerequisite for effective remote communication.