NSG - 316: the interview

objective data

information obtained through physical examination or diagnostic testing that can be measured or quantified.

subjective data

information provided by the client

• What they say about their feelings, perceptions, and experiences regarding their health or condition.

what is the primary purpose of the interview?

to gather comprehensive information about the client's health history, concerns, and goals.

How can an interview be viewed as a contract between the nurse and the client?

The interview serves as a mutual agreement where both the nurse and client outline the expectations, roles, and confidentiality terms, fostering trust and openness throughout the information-gathering process.

Why is it important to be aware of your verbal and nonverbal communication during an interview?

It helps build trust, ensures clarity, and prevents misunderstandings that can negatively affect the client-nurse relationship and the accuracy of the information exchanged.

Why should you not assume understanding and instead verify it?

It ensures clarity, prevents errors, and promotes effective communication between the nurse and client, enhancing the quality of care provided.

What are the characteristics of a successful interview?

• gather

• establish

• teach

• build

• discuss

What is the purpose of gathering complete and accurate data in a health interview?

To obtain a clear picture of the health state, including the description and timeline of symptoms.

Why is it important to establish trust during an interview?

So the person feels comfortable sharing all relevant information.

What is the benefit of teaching during a health interview?

It helps the person better understand their health state.

Why is building rapport important in healthcare?

It supports a continuing therapeutic relationship

What should be discussed in addition to current health concerns?

Health promotion and disease prevention.

What details should be shared about the timing and location at the start of an interview?

The time and place of the interview and physical examination.

What should be explained about the health care provider at the beginning of an interview?

Their role and responsibilities.

What should the client be informed of regarding the purpose of the interview?

The reason the interview is being conducted.

What information should be given about the length of the interview?

How long it will take.

What should be clarified about the involvement of each participant?

The expected level of participation from each person.

What should be discussed regarding additional people present during the interview?

Whether family members or others will be there.

What should the client be told about confidentiality?

That information will remain confidential and the extent of any limits.

What financial information should be communicated during the interview?

Any costs the patient will be responsible for.

What personal quality helps a professional nurse engage positively with clients?

Liking people and maintaining an optimistic outlook.

What ability allows a nurse to see the world from the client’s perspective?

Empathy.

What communication skill involves more than just hearing words?

Active listening and interpreting meaning.

What self-reflective practice helps nurses manage biases and stereotypes?

Self-awareness.

What should be considered when creating the environment for a client interview?

It should be comfortable and free from distractions.

What should be ensured so the patient feels valued during the interview?

Privacy and a sense that they are the priority

Why might note-taking be necessary during a client interview?

accurately record the large amount of information being collected, ensure important details are not forgotten, and provide a reliable reference for care planning and follow-up.

What are some challenges associated with note-taking?

It can break eye contact, shift attention away from the client, interrupt the client’s narrative, impede observation of nonverbal behavior, and feel threatening during sensitive discussions.

When should open-ended questions be used during an interview?

At the beginning of the interview, to introduce a new section of questions, or whenever the patient brings up a new topic.

When should closed-ended questions be used during an interview?

After the patient’s initial narrative to gather missing details, to obtain specific facts about past health problems or during a review of systems, and to help move the interview along.

What is the risk of relying only on closed-ended questions?

It may limit the patient’s responses, reduce narrative flow, and miss important context or feelings.

How can switching between open and closed questions benefit an interview?

It allows both detailed patient narratives and collection of specific factual information

How does active listening complement the use of open-ended questions?

It ensures the nurse accurately interprets meaning and responds appropriately, enhancing understanding.

Why is it important to be aware of your own biases during an interview?

To prevent them from influencing interpretation of information and to ensure objective, patient-centered care.

What role does the environment play in a successful patient interview?

A comfortable, private, and distraction-free environment helps the patient feel valued and willing to share.