Fundamentals Lecture — Interviews, Communication & Vital Signs

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering interview technique, communication traps, cultural considerations, vital sign measurement, normal ranges, hypertension, documentation rules, and classroom logistics discussed in the lecture.

During an interview, why should you avoid standing over a patient when possible?

It can feel intimidating and create a perceived power imbalance.

Which four internal factors influence a successful patient interview?

Liking others, empathy, the ability to listen (active listening), and self-awareness.

What is the recommended distance (in feet) for seating during a nurse–patient interview?

About 4–5 feet

Why is note-taking during an interview kept to a minimum?

Continuous writing breaks eye contact, shifts attention from the patient, and may slow the interview or worry the patient.

Name the three stages of a patient interview.

Introduction, working phase, and closing (summary).

Give an example of an open-ended question when collecting history about chest pain.

"Can you describe what the chest pain feels like?"

What is the main therapeutic purpose of silence during an interview?

It allows the patient time to think and gather thoughts before responding.

Which trap of interviewing involves saying, “Everything will be fine” to a worried patient?

Providing false reassurance/assurance.

Why should family members generally NOT be used as interpreters?

They may omit, alter, or add information and compromise confidentiality.

List two common non-verbal cues that can unintentionally convey disinterest.

Folded arms (closed posture) and lack of eye contact.

What respectful form of address should you use with older adults unless invited otherwise?

Mr., Mrs., Ms. + last name

How should a nurse respond to sexually aggressive comments from a patient?

Set clear, professional boundaries while remaining calm and respectful.

According to the lecture, what personal rule applies to wearing gloves?

If it’s warm, wet, and not yours—wear gloves.

In documentation, what does the rule “If it isn’t documented, _.” complete?

It didn’t happen.

When documenting, should you ever delete an entry or share your password?

No—never delete entries and never share your password.

What is the correct order for charting vital signs?

Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure (TPR-BP).

Which temperature route is considered most convenient and commonly used?

Oral

How many degrees (°F) do you subtract from a rectal temperature before comparing to an oral normal?

Subtract 1°F (or 0.5°C).

State the normal adult oral temperature range in °F.

96.4°F – 99.1°F

What lubricant should be used for rectal temperature insertion?

Water-soluble KY jelly

Where is the radial pulse located?

On the thumb side of the wrist.

For a regular adult pulse, how long do you count beats before multiplying by two?

30 seconds

Why should you avoid using your thumb to palpate a patient’s pulse?

Your thumb has its own pulse that can be confused with the patient’s.

Define tachycardia in adults.

Heart rate greater than 100 beats per minute.

Define bradycardia in adults.

Heart rate less than 60 beats per minute.

What is the normal adult respiratory rate range (breaths per minute)?

12 – 20 breaths/min

What term is used for respirations greater than 20/min?

Tachypnea

What trick helps you count respirations without the patient altering their breathing?

Keep your fingers on the radial pulse after counting pulse and secretly watch the chest rise.

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against what structure?

The vessel (arterial) walls.

Which artery is auscultated when taking a manual blood pressure?

The brachial artery.

What are the current ACC 2017 normal blood pressure limits?

Systolic <120 mm Hg AND diastolic <80 mm Hg.

Name two modifiable risk factors for hypertension.

Smoking, obesity (others: high alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle, high sodium diet, dyslipidemia).

Name two non-modifiable risk factors for hypertension.

Family history and age >60 (others: genetics, sex, race).

Which communication technique echoes the patient’s own words for clarification?

Reflection

Why are “Why” questions discouraged in therapeutic communication?

They can sound accusatory or judgmental and may shut down conversation.

What do the colors on the classroom feedback cards represent?

Green = understand, Yellow = unsure, Red = don’t understand.

What is the purpose of the white T-shirt assignment?

To help students learn anatomical landmarks for assessment by drawing them on the shirt.

Describe ‘active listening.’

Fully focusing on what the patient says and how they say it, without planning your next response.

What is the medical term for the ‘silent killer’?

Hypertension

Explain ‘pulse pressure.’

The numeric difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

How long should you wait after a patient drinks hot coffee before taking an oral temperature?

About 15 minutes

When counting respirations, what constitutes one breath?

One inspiration and one expiration together.

What is meant by ‘sinus arrhythmia’ often seen in children?

Heart rate speeds with inspiration and slows with expiration but remains a normal variant.

State one reason older adults may need stronger lighting during an interview.

To compensate for reduced vision and to allow lip-reading if hearing is impaired.

What is an auscultatory gap and why do we inflate the cuff 30 mm Hg above the estimated systolic pressure?

A silent interval that can obscure true systolic pressure; inflating higher prevents missing it.

Give an example of professional jargon translated into lay terms.

Instead of “I’ll auscultate your lungs,” say “I’m going to listen to your breathing.”

What is the first step before starting any skill or assessment on a patient?

Perform hand hygiene and introduce yourself with name and role.

When is touch an inappropriate non-verbal communication tool?

When cultural norms, past trauma, or personal preference may cause the patient discomfort or misinterpretation.