STNA Patient Rights and Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient who speaks limited English is having difficulty understanding care instructions. The best action is:
- Speak slowly and repeat instructions louder
- Ask a family member who is present to translate medical information
- Request a qualified medical interpreter (Correct answer)
- Use gestures only and skip verbal explanation
Correct answer: Request a qualified medical interpreter
A qualified medical interpreter provides accurate translation of clinical information and protects patient rights; using family members is discouraged for medical communication.
Question 2: When communicating with a patient who has hearing loss, the nurse aide should:
- Shout loudly to ensure the patient hears
- Face the patient directly and speak clearly at a normal to slightly elevated volume (Correct answer)
- Write all communication because speaking is ineffective
- Stand behind the patient and speak into the ear
Correct answer: Face the patient directly and speak clearly at a normal to slightly elevated volume
Facing the patient allows lip-reading and visual cues, and speaking clearly at normal to slightly elevated volume is more effective than shouting.
Question 3: Which communication technique is most appropriate when interacting with a patient with dementia?
- Use complex sentences to stimulate cognitive function
- Correct the patient each time they state something incorrect
- Use short, simple sentences and a calm, reassuring tone (Correct answer)
- Avoid eye contact to prevent overstimulation
Correct answer: Use short, simple sentences and a calm, reassuring tone
Short, simple sentences and a calm tone reduce confusion and anxiety in patients with dementia and improve their ability to process information.
Question 4: A patient asks the nurse aide about the side effects of a new medication. The correct response is:
- Describe the common side effects based on personal knowledge
- Tell the patient that you are not able to provide that information and offer to get the nurse (Correct answer)
- Say the medication is safe and there is nothing to worry about
- Look up the medication and read the information to the patient
Correct answer: Tell the patient that you are not able to provide that information and offer to get the nurse
Medication counseling is within the scope of the licensed nurse, not the nurse aide; referring the patient to the nurse is the appropriate and safe response.
Question 5: Active listening by the nurse aide includes which behavior?
- Interrupting when the patient speaks too slowly
- Finishing the patient's sentences to save time
- Making eye contact and nodding to show attention (Correct answer)
- Looking at the care record while the patient speaks
Correct answer: Making eye contact and nodding to show attention
Making eye contact and nodding signals attentiveness, encourages the patient to continue, and builds therapeutic trust.
Question 6: Which statement by a nurse aide demonstrates therapeutic communication?
- 'I understand exactly how you feel.'
- 'Don't worry, everything will be fine.'
- 'You seem upset. Would you like to talk about what's bothering you?' (Correct answer)
- 'You shouldn't feel that way.'
Correct answer: 'You seem upset. Would you like to talk about what's bothering you?'
Acknowledging the patient's emotional state and inviting them to share opens communication without dismissing or minimizing their feelings.
STNA Patient Rights and Communication 2
A patient who speaks limited English is having difficulty understanding care instructions.
The best action is: