Health Assessment- 10 Traps of Interviewing

False Assurance

Providing unfounded reassurance to dispel clinician's anxiety. Don't promise something that may not be true. Ex response: It must be hard waiting for the doctor. is there anything I can get you or anything youd like to talk about? I can care what happens to you, I'll be here all day today, NOT " your baby will be fine" you don't know that

Unwanted Advice

Taking over the patient's responsibility to make a decision. if advice is based on a hunch or feeling, or is your personal opinion, then its is likely inappropriate. If person ask directly for info you provide the appropriate info

Using authority

"I know best because I'm the nurse." this response promotes dependency and inferiority. you cut off communication and diminish their concerns. Client makes final decision about his or her health.

Avoidance Language

Using euphemisms. ex: using passed on to avoid reality of dying. use direct language

Distancing

Using impersonal speech; "the" rather than "my" or "your." ex: there is a lump in the left breast. instead of using your. This may communicate you are afraid of the procedure or disease. Use blunt specific terms.

Professional jargon

"Myocardial infarction" rather than "heart attack."

Leading or Biased Questions

Asking a question that suggests that one possible answer is better than another. "You don't smoke, do you?" or You don't ever have unprotected sex, correct? instead, do you smoke? when you have sexual intercourse, do you use any type of protection?

Talking too much

Interviewer should listen more than talk.

Interrupting

Cutting in when you think you know what the person will say.

Using "Why" Questions

Usually imply negative judgment about the patient.