Des Jardins: Clinical Manifestations and Assessment of Respiratory Disease, 6th Edition

Chapter 01: The Patient Interview

Test Bank

MULTIPLE CHOICE

	1.	The main purpose of a patient interview is to:
a.	review data with the patient.	
b.	gather subjective data from the patient.	
c.	gather objective data from the respiratory therapist.	
d.	fill out the history form or checklist.	

ANS:	B
During the interview, the patient provides his/her opinion (subjective data) on the situation. The history should be done before the interview. While data can be reviewed, that is not the primary purpose of the interview.

REF:	p. 3

	2.	For there to be a successful interview, the respiratory therapist must:
1.   provide leading questions to guide the patient.
2.   be an active listener.
3.   reassure the patient.
4.   have genuine concern.
a.	2, 4	
b.	1, 3	
c.	1, 2, 4	
d.	1, 2, 3, 4	

ANS:	A
The personal qualities that a respiratory therapist must have to conduct a successful interview include being an active listener, having a genuine concern for the patient, and having empathy. Leading questions must be avoided. Reassurance may provide a false sense of comfort to the patient.

REF:	p. 3

	3.	The patient’s history states that her chief compliant is shortness of breath. During the interview, the respiratory therapist should be observant for:
a.	how many words the patient speaks with each breath.	
b.	changes in the pitch of the patient’s voice.	
c.	the use of a medication inhaler.	
d.	productivity of the patient’s cough.	

ANS:	A
A patient who is short of breath (dyspneic) will not be able to speak in full sentences. The other listed options do not relate to dyspnea.

REF:	p. 3

	4.	The physical setting for the interview should include all of the following EXCEPT:
a.	minimize or prevent interruptions.	
b.	ensure privacy during discussions.	
c.	interviewer is the same sex as the patient to prevent bias.	
d.	be comfortable for the patient and interviewer.	

ANS:	C
An interviewer of either gender, who acts professionally, should be able to interview a patient of either gender. The other listed options are important to have a successful interview.

REF:	p. 3

	5.	The open-ended question format is generally used to:
1.   gather information when a patient introduces a new topic.
2.   introduce a new subject area.
3.   begin the interview process.
4.   gather specific information.
a.	1, 3	
b.	2, 4	
c.	1, 2, 3	
d.	1, 2, 3, 4	

ANS:	C
An open-ended question should be used to start the interview, introduce a new section of questions, and gather more information from a patient’s topic. Closed or direct questions are used to gather specific information.

REF:	p. 4

	6.	The direct question interview format is used to:
1.   speed up the interview.
2.   let the patient fully explain his/her situation.
3.   help the respiratory therapist show empathy.
4.   gather specific information.
a.	1, 4	
b.	2, 3	
c.	3, 4	
d.	1, 2, 3, 4	

ANS:	A
Direct or closed questions are best to gather specific information and speed up the interview. Open-ended questions are best suited to let the patient fully explain his/her situation and possibly help the respiratory therapist show empathy.

REF:	p. 4

	7.	During the interview, the patient states, “Every time I climb the stairs I have to stop to catch my breath.” Hearing this, the respiratory therapist replies, “So, it sounds like you get short of breath climbing stairs.” This interviewing technique is called:
a.	clarification.	
b.	modeling.	
c.	empathy.	
d.	reflection.	

ANS:	D
With reflection, part of the patient’s statement is repeated. This lets the patient know that what he/she said was heard. It also encourages the patient to elaborate on the topic. Clarification, modeling, and empathy are other communication techniques.

REF:	p. 4

	8.	The interviewing technique called silence is used:
a.	to prompt the patient to ask a question.	
b.	after a direct question.	
c.	after an open-ended question.	
d.	to allow the patient to review his/her history.	

ANS:	C
After a patient has answered an open-ended question, the respiratory therapist should pause (use silence) before asking the next question. This pause allows the patient to add something else before moving on. The patient may choose to ask a question.

REF:	p. 4

	9.	To have the most productive interviewing session, the respiratory therapist must avoid all of the following types of verbal messages EXCEPT:
a.	confrontation.	
b.	giving advice.	
c.	using avoidance language.	
d.	distancing.	

ANS:	A
With confrontation, the respiratory therapist focuses the patient’s attention on an action, feeling, or statement made by the patient. This may prompt a further discussion. The respiratory therapist should avoid giving advice, using avoidance language, or using distancing language.

REF:	p. 5

	10.	When closing the interview, the following should be done:
1.   Recheck the patient’s vital signs.
2.   Thank the patient.
3.   Ask if the patient has any questions.
4.   Close the door behind you for patient privacy.
a.	2	
b.	2, 3	
c.	1, 3, 4	
d.	1, 2, 3, 4	

ANS:	B
To end the interview on a positive note, the respiratory therapist should thank the patient and ask if the patient has any questions. If there is no need for the vital signs to be checked, they should not be. The door may be left open or closed, depending on the situation.

REF:	p. 8