PREview Communication Skills

Question 1

Which of the following BEST describes effective patient-centered communication?

Accepted Answer

Adapting your communication style to the patient's health literacy level and responding to their needs

Answer

Using technical medical terminology to demonstrate expertise

Answer

Delivering information efficiently to maximize appointment time

Answer

Asking closed-ended questions to gather facts quickly

Question 2

During a patient interview, a patient begins to cry. What is the MOST appropriate immediate response?

Accepted Answer

Pause, acknowledge the emotion, and provide brief support before continuing

Answer

Proceed with your questions to complete the history efficiently

Answer

Refer the patient to a social worker immediately

Answer

Apologize for upsetting them and change the subject

Question 3

What is the PRIMARY purpose of active listening in a clinical setting?

Accepted Answer

To ensure accurate understanding of the patient's concerns and build a trusting relationship

Answer

To appear attentive to supervisors observing the encounter

Answer

To allow the clinician time to formulate a diagnosis

Answer

To reduce the length of clinical encounters

Question 4

Which of the following is an example of a barrier to effective communication in healthcare?

Accepted Answer

Using jargon-filled language without checking comprehension

Answer

Using plain language explanations

Answer

Checking for patient understanding by asking them to repeat information

Answer

Maintaining eye contact during the encounter

Question 5

You notice a colleague consistently interrupting patients before they finish speaking. Which communication principle does this violate?

Accepted Answer

Active listening

Answer

Empathy

Answer

Nonverbal communication

Answer

Health literacy

Question 6

A patient is reluctant to discuss a sensitive personal issue. Which approach BEST encourages open communication?

Accepted Answer

Creating a nonjudgmental, private environment and expressing empathy before asking sensitive questions

Answer

Insisting they disclose the information since it is medically relevant

Answer

Noting their reluctance in the chart and moving on

Answer

Having a colleague conduct that portion of the interview