Patient Care Interpersonal Communication

A radiologic technologist is explaining the procedure of a chest xray to a patient who appears anxious. Which communication strategy would be most effective in alleviating the patient’s anxiety?

Use simple language

Maintain eye contact

Which is the most effective strategy for communicating with a patient who has a hearing impairment?

1. Speaking louder

2. Using visual aids and written instructions

3. Repeating the same words if misunderstood

4. Speaking directly into the patient’s ear

1. Using visual aids and written instructions

A patient undergoing a radiographic procedure expresses fear about the results. How should the technologist address the patient’s concern?

1. Reassure the patient that the results will likely be negative

2. Encourage the patient to discuss concerns with their physician

3. Provide a detailed analysis of potential outcomes

4. Avoid discussing the results altogether

1. Encourage the patient to discuss concerns with their physician

A patient with limited mobility and difficulty hearing arrives for an xray. How should the technologist ensure effective communication and positioning for the procedure?

Use clear, simple instructions

The most effective method to confirm a patient’s understanding of the instructions for a procedure is to

Ask them to repeat the instructions back to you

A patient expresses frustration about the long wait time for their imaging procedure. How should the technologist respond?

Apologize and explain the reason for delay

What nonverbal communication method is crucial for building trust with a patient before starting an imaging procedure?

Maintaining appropriate eye contact

To ensure effective communication with a patient who has visual impairment, the technologist should

Provide verbal explanations and ask for verbal confirmation of understanding

(T/F) Providing detailed information about a procedure can help alleviate anxiety by setting realistic expectations.

True

A patient questions why it is necessary to remove all jewelry before an xray, the best explanation is

Jewelry may obscure important findings or appear as artifacts in the image

How should a technologist respond to a patient’s inquiry about the radiation dose of the upcoming procedure compared to other imaging modalities?

Explain the relative radiation doses of different imaging modalities in understandable terms

For a patient with a physical disability requiring an xray, the best approach for the technologist is to:

Ask the patient about their ability and preferred method to assist in positioning

When explaining a radiographic procedure to a patient who speaks limited English, what approach is most effective in ensuring their understanding?

Using an interpreter or translation device

In explaining the need for a contrast agent in a fluoroscopic study, the technologist should emphasize the:

Improved detail and diagnostic quality it provides

When communicating with elderly patients, it is important to use _ terms without assuming a lack of understanding.

Simple

The best communication method for dealing with toddler-age children (1-3 years old) having a radiographic procedure that may be painful is to:

Describe the physical feelings they may experience

Which two of the following would be considered part of ethnic diversity?

1. Age

2. Race

3. Socioeconomic status

4. Cultural beliefs

1. Race

1. Cultural beliefs

What two nonverbal strategies can a technologist use to demonstrate attentiveness when a patient is speaking about their concerns?

Facing patient at an appropriate distance

Maintain eye contact

To ensure clarification when providing post examination instructions to a patient, best practices for the technologist would be to:

Provide written instructions and review orally with patient

If a patient becomes non-compliant during an imaging procedure, what is the best course of action for the technologist?

Stop procedure and discuss the patient’s concerns

What strategy is most effective in improving communication with a patient who has cognitive impairments?

Use simple language

Allow extra time for patient to process information

When dealing with a difficult patient, what communication technique should the technologist use to de-escalate the situation?

Respond to the patient and use active listening

A patient who is visually impaired arrives for an xray. What is the most appropriate way for the technologist to communicate with the patient?

Describe the environment and procedure in detail

In the context of patient education, how should a technologist explain the use of a contrast agent before performing an intravenous urogram?

Helps visualize certain areas more clearly on the exam

When a patient with hearing impairment arrives for a radiologic exam, what is the best method to ensure they understand the intructions?

Writing down the instructions

(T/F) Utilizing an even tone of voice is an effective method of communication to keep a patient calm.

True

A patient becomes agitated during a radiographic procedure. What is the best initial response by the technologist?

Stop the procedure

Address patient’s concern

A patient appears confused about why they are receiving an xray instead of an MRI and is apprehensive about continuing. The technologist should:

Remind the patient that healthcare decisions are their own

Suggest discussing it with their referring physician

A technologist is performing a shoulder arthrogram for MRI on a patient whose occupation is welding. What additional imaging must be performed to ensure they will be safe in the MRI?

Orbits (modified water’s)

Which three of the following situations may cause a patient to go through the grieving process?

1. Becoming blind

2. Being diagnosed with cancer

3. Being in a car accident

4. Losing a spouse

1. Becoming blind

2. Being diagnosed with cancer

3. Losing a spouse

An elderly patient has potentially suffered a stroke and arrives in the emergency department unable to speak and form words. This condition is called:

Aphasia

What term refers to moderate language and speaking difficulties?

Dysphasia

What term refers to difficulty swallowing?

Dysphagia

What term refers to the inability to swallow?

Aphagia

A technologist needs to instruct a child to remain still during an imaging procedure. What technique is most appropriate?

Explain in simple terms what will happen

Explain why it is important to stay still

It is important for a technologist to empathize with a patient who may be experiencing the grieving process. The first stage of this process as identified by Kubler Ross is usually:

Denial

The second stage of grief is termed:

AngerT

The third stage of grief is termed:

Bargaining

The fourth stage of grief is termed:

Depression

The last and final stage of grief is termed:

Acceptance