Communication Skills Flashcards
6 cards from real PREVIEW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Communication Skills flashcards as text
Which of the following BEST describes effective patient-centered communication?
Answer: Adapting your communication style to the patient's health literacy level and responding to their needs
Patient-centered communication tailors language and approach to the individual patient's understanding and needs.
During a patient interview, a patient begins to cry. What is the MOST appropriate immediate response?
Answer: Pause, acknowledge the emotion, and provide brief support before continuing
Pausing to acknowledge the patient's emotions before continuing demonstrates empathy and builds therapeutic rapport.
What is the PRIMARY purpose of active listening in a clinical setting?
Answer: To ensure accurate understanding of the patient's concerns and build a trusting relationship
Active listening ensures the clinician accurately understands the patient's perspective, which is essential for both diagnosis and rapport.
Which of the following is an example of a barrier to effective communication in healthcare?
Answer: Using jargon-filled language without checking comprehension
Using medical jargon without verifying understanding creates a barrier that may cause patients to leave encounters confused or misinformed.
You notice a colleague consistently interrupting patients before they finish speaking. Which communication principle does this violate?
Answer: Active listening
Interrupting patients violates active listening by preventing full expression of the patient's concerns.
A patient is reluctant to discuss a sensitive personal issue. Which approach BEST encourages open communication?
Answer: Creating a nonjudgmental, private environment and expressing empathy before asking sensitive questions
A nonjudgmental, empathetic environment reduces patient reluctance to discuss sensitive topics.