Exam 3: The Interview

A 17-year-old single mother is describing how difficult it is to raise a 3-year-old child by herself. During the course of the interview she states, "I can't believe my boyfriend left me to do this by myself! What a terrible thing to do to me!" Which of these responses by the nurse uses empathy?

A nurse is taking complete health histories on all of the patients attending a wellness workshop. On the history form, one of the written questions asks, "You don't smoke, drink, or take drugs, do you?" This is an example of what type of question?

During an interview, a parent of a hospitalized child is sitting in a recliner with his legs extended and his arms at his sides. As the interviewer begins to discuss his son's treatment, however, he suddenly changes positions and crosses his arms against his chest and crosses his legs. What does this change in posture suggest?

As the nurse enters a patient's room, the nurse finds the patient crying. The patient states that she has just found out that the lump in her breast is cancer and says, "I'm so afraid of, um, you know." Which would be the most therapeutic response by the nurse when said in a gentle manner?

The nurse is nearing the end of an interview. Which statement is appropriate at this time?

During an interview, a woman says, "I have decided that I can no longer allow my children to live with their father's violence, but I just can't seem to leave him." Using interpretation, which would be the best response by the nurse?

In an interview, the nurse may find it necessary to take notes to aid his or her memory later. Which statement is true regarding note-taking?

The nurse is interviewing a male patient who has a hearing impairment and came in because of a cold. What techniques would be most beneficial in communicating with this patient?

A woman is discussing the problems she is having with her 2-year-old son. She says, "He won't go to sleep at night, and during the day he has several fits. I get so upset when that happens." Which is the best response by the nurse to gain a better understanding of the problem?

During an interview, the nurse states, "You mentioned having shortness of breath. Tell me more about that." Which verbal skill is used with this statement?

When taking a history from a newly admitted patient, the nurse notices that he often pauses and expectantly looks at the nurse. What would be the nurse's best response to this behavior?

The nurse is conducting an interview with a woman who has recently learned that she is pregnant and who has come to the clinic today to begin prenatal care. The woman states that she and her husband are excited about the pregnancy but have a few questions. She looks nervously at her hands during the interview and sighs loudly. Considering the concept of communication, which statement does the nurse know to be most accurate when describing this woman?

What data should the nurse collect during the interview portion of a health assessment.

A patient has finished giving the nurse information about the reason he is seeking care. When reviewing the data, the nurse finds that some information about past hospitalizations is missing. At this point, which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate to gather these data?

Which adjustment in the physical environment should the nurse make to promote the success of an interview?

During an examination of a preschool child, the nurse will need to take her blood pressure. What might the nurse do to try to gain the child's full cooperation?

When observing a patient's verbal and nonverbal communication, the nurse notices a discrepancy. What action should the nurse take in this situation?

During a visit to the clinic, a patient states, "The doctor just told me he thought I ought to stop smoking. He doesn't understand how hard I've tried. I just don't know the best way to do it. What should I do?" What is the most appropriate response by the nurse?

Receiving is a part of the communication process. Which receiver is most likely to misinterpret a message sent by a health care professional?

The nurse is performing a health interview on a patient who has a language barrier, and no interpreter is available. Which is the best example of an appropriate question for the nurse to ask in this situation?