Deck 14: Human Relations and Coping With Patient Behavior

Question 1

An appropriate response to a patient's egocentric behavior is to _______

A) say, "You are not the only patient in this unit, you know."
B) remind the patient that family members are also having a hard time.
C) accept that egocentrism is a normal reaction to illness.
D) all of the above.

Answer 1

accept that egocentrism is a normal reaction to illness.

Question 2

Most patients are likely to express their fears, anxieties, or uncertainties _______

A) to anyone nearby.
B) only after you have shown that you care and are willing to listen.
C) only to close friends and family members.
D) only to a member of the clergy.

Answer 2

only after you have shown that you care and are willing to listen.

Question 3

Which is not an appropriate way to respond to a hostile patient?

A) Recognize that the patient's hostility may indicate a need.
B) Give the hostile patient your undivided attention.
C) Show concern and encourage the patient to express thoughts and feelings.
D) Tell the patient you don't appreciate all the complaining.

Answer 3

Tell the patient you don't appreciate all the complaining.

Question 4

Accepting a job that you are overqualified for can lead to _______

A) frustration and job dissatisfaction.
B) violating policies and job descriptions.
C) both a and b.
D) neither a nor b.

Question 5

You have been working at a particular health care agency for only a short time. One of your patients exhibits some behaviors that concern you, but you are not sure whether they are really significant. Your best course of action is to _______

A) wait and see what happens next.
B) discuss the behaviors with your supervisor.
C) ask the patient why he is behaving that way.
D) all of the above.

Question 6

It is important to set aside personal problems while you are at work because _______

A) worrying all day contributes to poor adjustment.
B) you need to give your full attention to your work.
C) your personal life is none of your supervisor's business.
D) coworkers are likely to gossip about any personal information you share.

Question 7

One of your patients, Mrs. V., exhibits a number of difficult behaviors. You suspect that she has some need that is not being met. Which is the most appropriate action for you to take?

A) Ask Mrs. V. ' s family members why she acts that way.
B) Tell your coworkers, "Be patient with Mrs. V. She has an unmet need."
C) Discuss your concerns with your supervisor.
D) Tell Mrs. V., "I understand why you act so difficult."

Question 10

Which is least likely to be the cause of a patient's unpleasant behavior?

A) a negative emotional state
B) ignorance
C) a desire to be mean
D) an unfavorable attitude
E) an unexpressed need

Question 11

When a patient's behavior indicates a negative emotional state, the health care team should _______

A) report the behavior to a supervisor.
B) try to identify the patient's needs and pay extra attention to meeting those needs.
C) avoid the patient as much as possible.
D) tell the patient that the behavior is unnecessary.

Question 12

Of the patient behaviors discussed in this chapter, which do you feel most comfortable dealing with? Which behaviors do you think will pose the greatest challenge for you?

Question 13

Think about a difficult experience you have had in which you needed emotional support. What attitudes and behaviors in those around you were most comforting? What were the least comforting?

Question 14

Biting, kicking, and hitting are examples of _______ aggression.

A) passive
B) verbal
C) physical
D) overt

Question 15

For many patients, a health agency can feel like _______

A) a home away from home.
B) a stressful and threatening place.
C) a comfortable, familiar place.
D) none of the above.

Question 16

When a new baby sister arrives, 3-year-old Trent begins asking for a bottle and talking "baby talk" again. Trent's behavior is an example of _______

A) progression.
B) regression.
C) depression.
D) aggression.

Question 17

List several of the beliefs and attitudes you have studied that can help you become an effective health care professional.

Question 18

Accepting each patient means _______

A) avoiding a critical or judgmental attitude.
B) recognizing that other people are like you in many ways.
C) accepting both unpleasant and pleasant behavior.
D) all of the above.

Question 19

A patient who makes nervous movements or who states, "My doctor says I should have surgery," probably has feelings of fear or anxiety and would benefit from _______

A) psychotherapy.
B) a tranquilizer.
C) a visit from the chaplain.
D) an opportunity to verbalize those feelings.

Question 20

Criticism, loud talking, profanity, and arguing are examples of _______ aggression.

A) passive
B) verbal
C) physical
D) covert

Question 21

Why should you explain health agency procedures to each new patient?

Question 22

Why is it unwise to explain to a demanding patient how busy the staff is?

Question 23

List ways you can show interest and concern for patients.

Question 24

Give several possible reasons a patient might refuse to take medication.

Question 25

Your _______, consisting of a mixture of feelings, beliefs, and behaviors, will affect your adjustment as a health care professional.

A) attitude
B) work ethic
C) standards of behavior
D) job satisfaction

Question 26

Explain why it is important for health care professionals to stay informed about new developments.

Question 27

Describe an appropriate reaction to a 7-year-old child who kicks and bites when you attempt to give an injection.

Question 28

Mrs. Salinas is crying when you enter her room. List several ways you could respond to her.

Question 29

Explain when information a patient tells you should be held in confidence and when you should report it to the health care team.

Question 30

What is an appropriate response to a patient whose behavior is clearly unacceptable?

Question 31

Which is an effective way to stay informed about developments in the health care field?

A) read professional journals
B) become active in a professional association
C) attend staff development programs
D) become active in community health programs
E) all of the above

Question 32

How can you give patients emotional support if it is needed?

Question 33

Which belief is least likely to contribute to a favorable work attitude?

A) "I get a lot of satisfaction from helping patients."
B) "The work I do here is important. "
C) "We ought to get paid more than we do. "
D) "I want to do my best at each task. "

Question 34

Why is it advisable to obtain or create a written job description when beginning a new position?

Question 35

How can setting high standards for yourself lead to increased job satisfaction and self-respect?

Question 36

Ms. Long and Mr. Wu are patients assigned to you. Ms. Long is usually talkative when you enter her room, but Mr. Wu is usually reading a book or magazine and barely acknowledges your presence. How could you adapt your behavior to make both patients feel comfortable?

Question 37

Define and give an example of egocentrism.

Question 38

How should a health care professional respond to an extremely cheerful patient?

Question 39

Think of a patient, family member, or friend you have assisted during an illness. What emotional reactions and behaviors did this person demonstrate? After studying this chapter,   how can you explain his or her behavior?