OSCE Communication Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient becomes visibly upset when you deliver a cancer diagnosis. What is the most appropriate immediate response?
- Continue explaining the treatment plan to keep the visit efficient
- Pause, acknowledge the emotion, and allow silence for the patient to process (Correct answer)
- Offer a tissue and change the subject to reduce distress
- Ask the patient to return when they feel calmer
Correct answer: Pause, acknowledge the emotion, and allow silence for the patient to process
Acknowledging emotion and allowing silence validates the patient's feelings and establishes trust before proceeding.
Question 2: Which technique best demonstrates active listening during a patient interview?
- Nodding while writing notes and maintaining eye contact intermittently
- Repeating the patient's last word verbatim after each statement
- Sitting quietly without interrupting and summarizing key points afterward (Correct answer)
- Asking multiple closed-ended questions in rapid succession
Correct answer: Sitting quietly without interrupting and summarizing key points afterward
Active listening involves giving undivided attention and summarizing to confirm understanding without interrupting.
Question 3: When obtaining informed consent, you notice the patient seems confused about the procedure risks. What should you do?
- Have the patient sign the form and address questions at the follow-up
- Use the teach-back method to assess comprehension before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Simplify by only explaining the most common risk
- Ask the patient's family member to confirm they understood
Correct answer: Use the teach-back method to assess comprehension before proceeding
The teach-back method confirms patient understanding and is the gold standard for ensuring informed consent comprehension.
Question 4: A patient from a different cultural background declines a recommended treatment citing religious beliefs. How should you respond?
- Explain the medical risks firmly and request they reconsider
- Document refusal and schedule a follow-up without further discussion
- Explore the patient's perspective, provide information, and respect their autonomy (Correct answer)
- Consult the ethics committee immediately
Correct answer: Explore the patient's perspective, provide information, and respect their autonomy
Culturally competent care requires exploring beliefs, ensuring the patient has full information, and respecting autonomous decision-making.
Question 5: During an OSCE station, a standardized patient says 'I just feel like no one is listening to me.' The best response is:
- 'I am listening—can you repeat what you said?'
- 'It sounds like feeling heard is really important to you. Tell me more.' (Correct answer)
- 'I understand. Now let me explain your diagnosis.'
- 'I'm sorry you feel that way. What would help you feel better?'
Correct answer: 'It sounds like feeling heard is really important to you. Tell me more.'
Reflecting the patient's emotional content and inviting elaboration demonstrates empathy and opens therapeutic dialogue.
Question 6: What does the acronym SPIKES stand for in the context of breaking bad news?
- Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Strategy/Summary (Correct answer)
- Support, Preparation, Information, Kindness, Engagement, Sensitivity
- Silence, Pause, Inquiry, Knowledge, Emotion, Sympathy
- Setting, Plan, Insight, Key points, Empathy, Support
Correct answer: Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Strategy/Summary
SPIKES (Setting, Perception, Invitation, Knowledge, Empathy, Strategy/Summary) is the validated six-step protocol for delivering bad news.
Question 7: A patient with low health literacy is being discharged with complex medication instructions. Which communication strategy is most effective?
- Provide a detailed written pamphlet for the patient to review at home
- Use plain language, pictograms, and teach-back to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
- Ask the pharmacist to explain medications at pickup
- Limit information to avoid overwhelming the patient
Correct answer: Use plain language, pictograms, and teach-back to confirm understanding
Combining plain language, visual aids, and teach-back maximizes comprehension for patients with low health literacy.
OSCE Communication Skills 2
A patient becomes visibly upset when you deliver a cancer diagnosis.
What is the most appropriate immediate response?