Communication: Interpersonal Communication 1 Flashcards
6 cards from real Soft Skills - Communication 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: Interpersonal Communication 1 flashcards as text
Which communication style involves expressing your needs clearly while respecting the rights and feelings of others?
Answer: Assertive communication
Assertive communication allows a person to express their own needs and boundaries honestly and directly while still showing respect for others, making it the most effective interpersonal style in healthcare settings.
When a patient is speaking, you maintain eye contact, nod occasionally, and lean slightly forward. These behaviors are examples of:
Answer: Active listening cues
Maintaining eye contact, nodding, and leaning forward are nonverbal active listening cues that signal to the speaker that you are engaged, attentive, and interested in what they are saying.
A resident tells you they are worried about an upcoming procedure. Which response best demonstrates empathy?
Answer: 'I understand this feels scary. Would you like to talk about what's on your mind?'
Acknowledging the resident's feelings and inviting them to share more validates their concern and opens a supportive dialogue. Dismissing or minimizing their worry shuts down communication and reduces trust.
What does the term 'proxemics' refer to in interpersonal communication?
Answer: The use of personal space and physical distance in communication
Proxemics is the study of how physical distance between people affects communication. In caregiving, understanding comfortable personal space boundaries is important for making patients feel safe rather than threatened.
A colleague frequently interrupts you mid-sentence during handoff report. This behavior most directly disrupts interpersonal communication by:
Answer: Preventing the full message from being received
Interrupting prevents the speaker from completing their message, which means the listener may miss critical information. In a clinical handoff, this can lead to errors and miscommunication about patient care.
Which of the following is an example of a 'I' statement used to express a concern without placing blame?
Answer: 'I feel overlooked when I am interrupted during report.'
'I' statements focus on the speaker's own feelings and experience rather than accusing the other person, which reduces defensiveness and keeps the conversation constructive. The other options use 'you' language that assigns blame.