FACEM Patient Communication Skills 2

Question 1

A patient with limited English proficiency presents to the ED with chest pain. Which approach best ensures accurate history-taking?

Accepted Answer

Use a professional interpreter service

Answer

Professional interpreter services ensure medical accuracy, confidentiality, and avoid role conflicts that arise when using family members.

Question 2

When breaking bad news in the emergency department, which framework is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

SPIKES (Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Emotions, Strategy)

Answer

SPIKES is the evidence-based protocol specifically designed for breaking bad news in clinical settings.

Question 3

A distressed patient is shouting and refuses to let staff approach. What is the most appropriate initial communication strategy?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a calm tone, use open body language, and allow the patient to express their concerns

Answer

De-escalation begins with non-threatening body language, calm vocal tone, and actively listening to the patient's concerns.

Question 4

When obtaining informed consent for a procedure in the ED from a competent adult, what is the most important element?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the patient understands risks, benefits, and alternatives in plain language

Answer

Valid informed consent requires that the patient understands the material information, not just signs a document.

Question 5

A tearful patient says 'I just want to know if I'm going to die.' How should the emergency physician respond?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the emotion and explore what they mean before providing information

Answer

Acknowledging emotion and clarifying the patient's concern before responding demonstrates empathy and gathers important context.

(FACEM) Fellowship of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine Practice Test