OET Speaking: Building Patient Rapport 5

Question 1

A patient says they want to bring their partner into all decisions. The best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Welcome their wish to involve their partner and ask how they'd like that to work.

Answer

Explain that decisions are between you and the patient only.

Answer

Agree but proceed without actually involving the partner.

Answer

Suggest the partner waits outside to keep things efficient.

Question 2

Which closing statement best leaves a patient feeling supported?

Accepted Answer

Before you go, is there anything else worrying you that we haven't covered?

Answer

That's everything from my side, so we're finished.

Answer

You can read the leaflet if you have more questions.

Answer

I have other patients now, so we'll stop here.

Question 3

A patient downplays severe pain to avoid being a 'bother'. The best rapport response is to:

Accepted Answer

Reassure them that reporting pain helps you help them, and gently explore the severity.

Answer

Accept their reassurance and move on.

Answer

Tell them they shouldn't worry about bothering staff and continue.

Answer

Record the pain as mild based on what they said.

Question 4

How does mirroring a patient's language (using their own words) build rapport?

Accepted Answer

It shows you listened and helps them feel understood on their own terms.

Answer

It makes the consultation sound more medical.

Answer

It speeds up the explanation.

Answer

It avoids the need to ask further questions.

Question 5

A patient appears confused by conflicting advice from another clinician. The best response is to:

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the confusion and calmly clarify without criticising the colleague.

Answer

Tell them the other clinician was wrong.

Answer

Insist your advice is the only correct one.

Answer

Avoid the topic to prevent conflict.

Question 6

Which non-verbal behaviour best reinforces verbal empathy in a face-to-face consultation?

Accepted Answer

Leaning in slightly with an open posture and attentive eye contact.

Answer

Crossing your arms while listening.

Answer

Standing over the seated patient.

Answer

Glancing repeatedly at the door.

Question 7

When a patient expresses unrealistic expectations about a cure, the best rapport-preserving reply is to:

Accepted Answer

Gently acknowledge their hope before honestly explaining what's realistic and how you'll support them.

Answer

Bluntly state that what they want is impossible.

Answer

Agree with their expectation to keep them happy.

Answer

Avoid correcting them to protect the relationship.