PBC Communication Skills & Cultural Sensitivity 2

Question 1

A grieving father remains silent and avoids eye contact during a bereavement conversation. The most culturally sensitive response is to:

Accepted Answer

Respect his communication style and allow comfortable silence

Answer

Silence and indirect eye contact can be culturally normative expressions of grief; respecting these styles builds trust.

Question 2

When delivering news of a fetal demise to a family whose primary language is not English, the bereavement specialist should:

Accepted Answer

Use a professional medical interpreter rather than a family member

Answer

Professional interpreters maintain accuracy and confidentiality, whereas family members may filter or soften critical information.

Question 3

A mother requests that her stillborn baby not be bathed per her cultural belief. The appropriate response is to:

Accepted Answer

Honor the request after confirming it does not pose infection risk to staff

Answer

Cultural and religious practices around the body should be honored when clinically safe to do so.

Question 4

Which phrase best exemplifies an empathic response to a parent who says, 'I feel like no one understands what I'm going through'?

Accepted Answer

'I can't fully know your pain, but I am here to listen.'

Answer

Acknowledging the limits of one's own understanding while affirming presence validates the parent's unique experience.

Question 5

During a bereavement follow-up call, a mother begins crying intensely. The specialist should first:

Accepted Answer

Provide a brief moment of silence and then say, 'I'm here with you'

Answer

Allowing emotional expression without rushing demonstrates that distress is welcome and the specialist is present.

(PBC) Perinatal Bereavement Certification Practice Test