KAPS Patient Communication Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient reports taking their blood pressure medication only when they 'feel' their pressure is high. Which response BEST addresses this adherence barrier?
- Tell the patient hypertension always causes symptoms
- Explain that hypertension is often asymptomatic and consistent dosing is required for efficacy (Correct answer)
- Suggest the patient buy a home blood pressure monitor and skip doses when readings are normal
- Refer the patient back to the prescriber without further discussion
Correct answer: Explain that hypertension is often asymptomatic and consistent dosing is required for efficacy
Educating the patient that hypertension is a 'silent disease' requiring continuous treatment addresses the core misconception driving their non-adherence.
Question 2: Which nonverbal behavior by the pharmacist MOST communicates empathy and attentiveness during patient counseling?
- Standing behind the dispensing counter at arm's length
- Maintaining comfortable eye contact and an open body posture (Correct answer)
- Looking at the computer screen while asking questions
- Handing written materials instead of engaging verbally
Correct answer: Maintaining comfortable eye contact and an open body posture
Comfortable eye contact and open posture signal active listening and genuine concern, which build therapeutic rapport.
Question 3: A patient taking metformin reports frequent GI upset. How should the pharmacist respond?
- Tell the patient to discontinue metformin immediately
- Acknowledge the complaint, counsel on taking the medication with food, and recommend reporting persistent symptoms to the prescriber (Correct answer)
- Suggest switching to an OTC antacid without further counseling
- Advise the patient to ignore the side effects as they are not serious
Correct answer: Acknowledge the complaint, counsel on taking the medication with food, and recommend reporting persistent symptoms to the prescriber
GI side effects with metformin are common and often mitigated by taking it with food; the pharmacist should counsel accordingly while encouraging prescriber communication for persistent issues.
Question 4: Which question format is BEST for assessing what a patient already knows about their new medication?
- 'Did the doctor explain your medication to you?'
- 'What did your doctor tell you this medication is for?' (Correct answer)
- 'Do you understand why you are taking this?'
- 'Have you taken this before?'
Correct answer: 'What did your doctor tell you this medication is for?'
Asking 'What did your doctor tell you?' is an open-ended primer that reveals existing knowledge before the pharmacist fills gaps, preventing repetition and building on prior counseling.
Question 5: A caregiver picks up medication for a pediatric patient. Which counseling consideration is MOST important?
- Counseling is only required if the child is present
- Provide weight-based dosing instructions and warn against using adult measuring devices such as kitchen spoons (Correct answer)
- Rely on printed label instructions without verbal counseling
- Advise the caregiver to give adult doses if pediatric doses are unavailable
Correct answer: Provide weight-based dosing instructions and warn against using adult measuring devices such as kitchen spoons
Weight-based dosing and proper measuring tools (oral syringes or calibrated cups) are critical safety points for pediatric medication administration.
Question 6: When discussing a sensitive medication topic such as erectile dysfunction treatment, the pharmacist should FIRST:
- Refer the patient to a urologist before dispensing
- Ensure privacy and approach the subject in a non-judgmental, professional manner (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient's partner to be present for counseling
- Provide only written materials to avoid embarrassment
Correct answer: Ensure privacy and approach the subject in a non-judgmental, professional manner
Creating a private, non-judgmental environment encourages open communication about sensitive topics and supports patient dignity.
Question 7: A patient with depression says, 'I don't want to take antidepressants because they will change my personality.' What is the pharmacist's BEST response?
- Tell the patient their concern is unfounded
- Acknowledge the concern and explain that SSRIs restore neurochemical balance and are not personality-altering drugs (Correct answer)
- Advise the patient to stop taking the medication if they notice any changes
- Suggest a lower-than-prescribed dose to minimize the effect
Correct answer: Acknowledge the concern and explain that SSRIs restore neurochemical balance and are not personality-altering drugs
Validating the concern then correcting the misconception with accurate pharmacology information helps dispel the stigma and supports informed adherence.
KAPS Patient Communication Skills 3
A patient reports taking their blood pressure medication only when they 'feel' their pressure is high.
Which response BEST addresses this adherence barrier?