Question 1

The patient's history states that her chief compliant is shortness of breath. During the interview, the respiratory therapist should be observant for:&#10;A) how many words the patient speaks with each breath.&#10;B)changes in the pitch of the patient's voice.&#10;C)the use of a medication inhaler.&#10;D)productivity of the patient's cough.

Accepted Answer

The number of words a patient can speak per breath can indicate the severity of their shortness of breath, which is directly related to their chief complaint.

Question 2

To have the most productive interviewing session, the respiratory therapist must avoid all of the following types of verbal messages EXCEPT:&#10;A) confrontation.&#10;B)giving advice.&#10;C)using avoidance language.&#10;D)distancing.

Accepted Answer

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, and using distancing language.

Question 3

The interviewing technique called silence is used:&#10;A) to prompt the patient to ask a question.&#10;B)after a direct question.&#10;C)after an open-ended question.&#10;D)to allow the patient to review his/her history.

Accepted Answer

Silence is used after an open-ended question to give the patient time to think and respond more fully.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

The direct question interview format is primarily used to speed up the interview and gather specific information by asking targeted questions.

Question 5

The physical setting for the interview should include all of the following EXCEPT:&#10;A) minimize or prevent interruptions.&#10;B)ensure privacy during discussions.&#10;C)interviewer is the same sex as the patient to prevent bias.&#10;D)be comfortable for the patient and interviewer.

Accepted Answer

The physical setting for the interview should not necessarily require the interviewer to be the same sex as the patient, as this is not relevant to the physical environment required for an effective interview. Rather, ensuring privacy, minimizing interruptions, and providing a comfortable environment are important factors to consider.

Question 6

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.

Accepted Answer

Reflection is the technique where the interviewer mirrors or repeats what the patient has said to confirm understanding or to encourage the patient to elaborate further. In this scenario, the respiratory therapist is reflecting the patient's statement about getting short of breath, which helps in validating the patient's experience and encourages further conversation.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

Open-ended questions are typically used to gather information when a patient introduces a new topic, introduce a new subject area, and begin the interview process, as they allow for more detailed and expansive responses.

Question 8

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

Accepted Answer

Rechecking the patient's vital signs is not necessary at the end of the interview unless there is a specific reason to do so. However, thanking the patient and asking if they have any questions are important steps in concluding the interview. Closing the door behind you for patient privacy is also a good practice. Therefore, the best choice is B, which includes thanking the patient and asking about any questions they may have.

Question 9

The main purpose of a patient interview is to:&#10;A) review data with the patient.&#10;B)gather subjective data from the patient.&#10;C)gather objective data from the respiratory therapist.&#10;D)fill out the history form or checklist.

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of a patient interview is to gather subjective data from the patient. This includes information such as their medical history, current symptoms, and any other relevant information that cannot be observed or measured objectively. Reviewing data with the patient, gathering objective data from the respiratory therapist, and filling out forms are all secondary objectives of the patient interview.

Question 10

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

Accepted Answer

Providing leading questions can be seen as manipulating the patient and may not lead to an accurate understanding of their condition. Reassuring the patient and having genuine concern are important, but the most crucial aspect of a successful interview is being an active listener, which involves paying close attention to what the patient is saying without interrupting or imposing one's own agenda.

Deck 1: The Patient Interview