After you ask a patient about her family history, she says, "Tell me about your family now." Which response is generally most appropriate?
A) Ignore the patient's comment and continue with the interview.
B) Give a brief, undetailed answer.
C) Ask the patient why she needs to know.
D) Tell the patient that you do not discuss your family with patients.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Giving a brief, undetailed answer will satisfy the patient's curiosity about yourself without invading your private life. Ignoring the patient's comment, continuing with the interview, and telling the patient that you do not discuss your family with patients will potentially anger or frustrate her and keep her from sharing openly. Asking the patient why she needs to know will distract from the real reason she is seeking care and instead move the interview conversation away from the topics that should be discussed.

After You Ask a Patient About Her Family History, She