PBC Communication & Client Relations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A mother who experienced a stillbirth says, 'I keep thinking I could have done something differently.' The best response is:
- 'You couldn't have known this would happen.'
- 'What makes you feel that way?'
- 'Tell me more about what you're experiencing.' (Correct answer)
- 'Many parents feel this way but it's not your fault.'
Correct answer: 'Tell me more about what you're experiencing.'
Inviting the parent to share more creates space for processing without dismissing or redirecting feelings.
Question 2: When a bereaved father remains silent and avoids eye contact during a counseling session, the appropriate response is to:
- Ask direct questions to engage him
- Fill the silence with information about grief stages
- Sit quietly and allow him space to be present (Correct answer)
- Suggest he return when he feels more ready to talk
Correct answer: Sit quietly and allow him space to be present
Comfortable silence communicates that the counselor is present and the parent does not need to perform or respond.
Question 3: A client asks if you think they should try to get pregnant again soon. The most appropriate response is:
- Recommend waiting at least one year before trying again
- Share your personal opinion to help them feel supported
- Explore what they are hoping a new pregnancy will provide (Correct answer)
- Refer them immediately to their OB for medical guidance
Correct answer: Explore what they are hoping a new pregnancy will provide
Exploring the underlying hopes and fears empowers client decision-making without imposing the counselor's values.
Question 4: During a support group meeting, one parent begins to dominate the conversation. The facilitator should:
- Interrupt and firmly redirect attention to others
- Allow it as all grief expressions deserve equal time
- Gently acknowledge their story and invite other voices (Correct answer)
- End the session early to avoid conflict
Correct answer: Gently acknowledge their story and invite other voices
Acknowledging the dominant speaker while creating space for others balances individual needs with group safety.
Question 5: Which type of language is MOST appropriate when speaking with newly bereaved parents about their baby?
- Clinical terms to maintain professional distance
- The baby's name and personal references (Correct answer)
- General terms like 'the loss' to avoid painful reminders
- Future-focused language to encourage hope
Correct answer: The baby's name and personal references
Using the baby's name honors the child's identity and affirms the reality of their existence to the parents.
Question 6: A nurse on the postpartum unit asks a bereavement counselor how to talk with a grieving mother. The counselor should FIRST:
- Provide a handout on therapeutic communication techniques
- Ask what specific concerns the nurse has about the interaction (Correct answer)
- Role-play a practice conversation with the nurse
- Suggest the nurse simply follow the patient's lead
Correct answer: Ask what specific concerns the nurse has about the interaction
Assessing the nurse's specific concerns allows the counselor to tailor guidance most effectively.
Question 7: When documenting a bereavement interaction, a counselor should:
- Record verbatim everything the client said
- Include personal interpretations to provide context
- Use objective, behavioral language without judgment (Correct answer)
- Avoid writing anything to protect client confidentiality
Correct answer: Use objective, behavioral language without judgment
Objective, non-judgmental documentation ensures accurate records while protecting client dignity.
PBC Communication & Client Relations 2
A mother who experienced a stillbirth says, 'I keep thinking I could have done something differently.' The best response is: