Communication & Stakeholder Relations Flashcards

A patient with obstructive sleep apnea is non-adherent to CPAP therapy and expresses frustration during a follow-up titration. What communication strategy is most appropriate?

Answer: Use motivational interviewing to explore the patient's barriers and collaboratively identify solutions

Motivational interviewing is an evidence-based technique that addresses ambivalence and supports behavior change in non-adherent patients.

Which of the following is an appropriate response when a patient reports that they never sleep well in unfamiliar environments?

Answer: Acknowledge the first-night effect and explain that it is accounted for in the study interpretation

Validating the patient's concern about the first-night effect and explaining how it is factored into interpretation reduces anxiety and builds trust.

An RPSGT overhears two colleagues discussing a patient's diagnosis loudly in a common area. What is the most appropriate response?

Answer: Remind the colleagues that patient information must be kept confidential and move the discussion to a private area

HIPAA requires that patient information be discussed only in private, and colleagues should be reminded of this obligation.

A patient who is hard of hearing arrives for a polysomnography study. Which accommodation is most important to implement?

Answer: Use written instructions, visual cues, and ensure the patient's hearing devices are managed appropriately during the study

Written instructions and visual communication strategies ensure the patient fully understands procedures and can communicate during the study.

After a difficult night with multiple technical problems, a patient asks the RPSGT if the data collected will still be useful. What is the best response?

Answer: Honestly explain what occurred and inform the patient that the interpreting physician will assess data quality

Honest communication that defers clinical judgment to the interpreting physician maintains trust without overpromising.

Which of the following stakeholders is it most critical for the RPSGT to communicate with when a patient's SpO2 drops below 80% and does not recover for more than 2 minutes?

Answer: The on-call or supervising physician immediately

Prolonged severe desaturation is a critical event requiring immediate physician notification per patient safety protocols.

A patient expresses embarrassment about their snoring during the intake interview. How should the RPSGT respond?

Answer: Normalize the experience by explaining that snoring is a common reason patients are referred for sleep studies, without judgment

Normalizing the patient's experience with an empathetic and factual response reduces shame and encourages open communication.