NRCMA Patient Communication and Education

Question 1

The 'teach-back' method is used to verify patient understanding by asking the patient to:

Accepted Answer

Restate or demonstrate instructions in their own words

Answer

Read the discharge instructions aloud

Answer

Sign a consent form confirming they understand

Answer

Watch an educational video about their condition

Question 2

When communicating with a patient who has low health literacy, the medical assistant should:

Accepted Answer

Speak slowly, use plain language (6th grade level), and use visual aids

Answer

Use medical jargon to appear professional

Answer

Give the patient lengthy written materials to study at home

Answer

Limit the conversation to avoid confusing them

Question 3

A patient refuses a recommended procedure. The medical assistant's appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Document the refusal, inform the physician, and ensure the patient understands consequences

Answer

Perform the procedure anyway since the physician ordered it

Answer

Discharge the patient from the practice

Answer

Call the patient's family to overrule the decision

Question 4

An interpreter service should be provided when:

Accepted Answer

The patient has limited English proficiency (LEP) and cannot understand medical information in English

Answer

The patient's English is slightly accented

Answer

The MA feels uncomfortable communicating

Answer

Only when the physician requests it

Question 5

Active listening by the medical assistant includes:

Accepted Answer

Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and reflecting back what the patient said

Answer

Finishing the patient's sentences to save time

Answer

Documenting notes without looking up at the patient

Answer

Asking only yes/no questions

Question 6

When documenting a patient's subjective complaint in SOAP format, it is recorded under:

Accepted Answer

S — Subjective

Answer

O — Objective

Answer

A — Assessment

Answer

P — Plan