Core Knowledge and Fundamentals Flashcards

Which level of Maslow's hierarchy of needs must be met before safety needs can be addressed?

Answer: Physiological needs

Physiological needs (food, water, shelter, warmth) form the base of Maslow's hierarchy and must be met before higher-level needs like safety can be prioritized.

A client refuses a prescribed medication. The most appropriate first action by the healthcare professional is to:

Answer: Explore the client's reasons for refusal

Exploring the client's reasons for refusal respects autonomy and may reveal misunderstandings, side-effect concerns, or correctable barriers.

Which communication technique involves repeating the client's exact words to encourage elaboration?

Answer: Restatement

Restatement (or restating) involves repeating the client's exact words back to them, signaling attention and prompting them to expand on the topic.

Under HIPAA, a covered entity may share protected health information (PHI) WITHOUT patient authorization for:

Answer: Treatment, payment, and healthcare operations

HIPAA permits disclosure of PHI without authorization for treatment, payment, and healthcare operations as essential functions of care delivery.

The ethical principle of 'justice' in healthcare refers primarily to:

Answer: Fair and equitable distribution of resources and care

Justice in healthcare ethics refers to the fair, equitable treatment of all patients and the impartial distribution of benefits and burdens.

Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication?

Answer: Maintaining appropriate eye contact

Maintaining eye contact is a nonverbal communication behavior that conveys attentiveness, respect, and engagement with the patient.

When documenting in a patient's medical record, the best practice is to:

Answer: Record events as soon as possible after they occur

Timely documentation ensures accuracy, reduces memory errors, and provides an accurate chronological record of patient care events.