PCA Communication and Interpersonal Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client with dementia repeatedly asks the same question. The BEST response each time is to:
- Remind them they already asked that question
- Answer calmly and patiently each time as if it is the first time (Correct answer)
- Redirect them to an activity to stop the repetition
- Contact the family to address the behavior
Correct answer: Answer calmly and patiently each time as if it is the first time
Clients with dementia cannot retain new information; consistent, patient responses reduce anxiety and maintain dignity.
Question 2: Therapeutic communication is best defined as:
- Using medical terminology to educate clients about their conditions
- Purposeful, goal-directed communication that promotes client well-being (Correct answer)
- Friendly casual conversation that builds rapport
- Communication techniques used only by licensed therapists
Correct answer: Purposeful, goal-directed communication that promotes client well-being
Therapeutic communication is intentional and focused on supporting the client's emotional and physical well-being.
Question 3: A client says, 'I feel like a burden to everyone.' The MOST therapeutic response is:
- 'Don't say that — you're not a burden at all!'
- 'I hear that you're feeling like a burden. Can you tell me more about that?' (Correct answer)
- 'You should talk to your family about how you feel.'
- 'Everyone goes through tough times — things will get better.'
Correct answer: 'I hear that you're feeling like a burden. Can you tell me more about that?'
Reflecting the feeling and inviting elaboration validates the client and opens therapeutic dialogue without dismissing their experience.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a 'closed' question?
- 'How are you feeling today?'
- 'What concerns you most about your care?'
- 'Did you sleep well last night?' (Correct answer)
- 'Tell me more about your morning routine.'
Correct answer: 'Did you sleep well last night?'
Closed questions require only a yes/no or brief factual answer, limiting the client's opportunity to elaborate.
Question 5: A PCA overhears a coworker speaking disrespectfully to a client. The CORRECT action is to:
- Confront the coworker in front of the client to correct the behavior
- Ignore it — coworker conflicts are not a PCA's responsibility
- Report the behavior to a supervisor and document what was witnessed (Correct answer)
- Speak to the coworker privately and ask them to apologize
Correct answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor and document what was witnessed
Reporting to a supervisor ensures the client is protected and the incident is addressed through proper channels.
Question 6: When a client is crying, using silence as a communication tool means:
- Leaving the room to give them privacy
- Saying nothing while maintaining a calm, supportive presence (Correct answer)
- Waiting until they stop before continuing with care tasks
- Documenting emotional distress and moving on
Correct answer: Saying nothing while maintaining a calm, supportive presence
Silence with a supportive presence communicates empathy and gives the client space to express emotions without pressure.
Question 7: Which nonverbal behavior conveys the MOST openness and receptiveness to a client?
- Standing with arms crossed while maintaining eye contact
- Sitting at the client's level with an open posture and slight forward lean (Correct answer)
- Standing over the client to show authority and readiness to help
- Keeping a professional distance with minimal facial expression
Correct answer: Sitting at the client's level with an open posture and slight forward lean
Sitting at eye level with an open posture signals attentiveness and reduces power imbalance, encouraging the client to communicate.
PCA Communication and Interpersonal Skills 3
A client with dementia repeatedly asks the same question.
The BEST response each time is to: