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NETS EMT > Chapter 4 Communications and Documentation > Flashcards

Chapter 4 Communications and Documentation Flashcards

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1
Q

What is therapeutic communication?

A

Therapeutic communication employs verbal and nonverbal strategies to encourage patients to express their feelings, ensuring a positive patient-provider relationship.

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2
Q

Describe the Shannon-Weaver communication model.

A

This model involves the sender encoding a message, transmitting it, the receiver decoding it, and providing feedback.

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3
Q

What are the key components of the sender-receiver feedback loop in communication?

A

Key components include encoding, transmitting, decoding messages, and providing feedback.

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4
Q

How does culture affect communication?

A

Cultural norms influence body language, eye contact, emotional expression, and space preferences during communication.

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5
Q

What is ethnocentrism, and how can it impact patient care?

A

Valuing one’s own cultural norms above others; it can cause misinterpretation and reduce patient trust.

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6
Q

Define cultural imposition and provide an example.

A

Forcing personal cultural values on patients, as seen when rejecting cultural practices (e.g., coining) without understanding their significance.

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7
Q

List three examples of nonverbal communication.

A

Body language, facial expressions, and eye contact.

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8
Q

How can tone, pace, and volume of speech influence communication?

A

Tone, pace, and volume can convey urgency, calmness, or reassurance, shaping understanding and trust.

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9
Q

What strategies can you use to de-escalate a situation with a hostile patient?

A

Stay calm, assess the scene’s safety, avoid aggressive postures, use open hand gestures, and speak slowly and confidently.

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10
Q

Why is empathy important in therapeutic communication?

A

Empathy fosters trust, reduces patient anxiety, and improves communication by showing understanding and care.

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11
Q

Differentiate between open-ended and closed-ended questions.

A

Open-ended questions invite detailed responses; closed-ended ones elicit specific, brief answers.

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12
Q

Provide an example of a situation where open-ended questions are most useful.

A

Ideal in assessing patient complaints or emotions, e.g., ‘What brought you in today?’

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13
Q

When might closed-ended questions be more appropriate?

A

Useful in emergencies or when clarity is needed, e.g., ‘Are you allergic to any medications?’

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14
Q

What are facilitation and reflection in communication?

A

Facilitation encourages further patient sharing; reflection confirms understanding by repeating key points.

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15
Q

Why should you avoid giving false reassurances to a patient?

A

These undermine trust and prevent honest patient-provider communication.

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16
Q

How can touch be used effectively during patient interviews?

A

Respectfully touch hands or shoulders to convey empathy while avoiding intimate areas.

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17
Q

What is the importance of summarizing during a patient interview?

A

Ensures mutual understanding and reviews key points before concluding an interaction.

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18
Q

Describe the Golden Rules of patient communication.

A

Maintain eye contact, introduce yourself, use understandable language, and speak calmly and confidently.

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19
Q

Why is it important to avoid professional jargon when speaking with patients?

A

Prevents miscommunication and ensures patient comprehension.

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20
Q

What role does family presence play in patient communication?

A

Can support or hinder communication, depending on their behavior and the patient’s needs.

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21
Q

How should you approach communication with elderly patients?

A

Approach calmly, give them time to respond, and avoid assumptions about their cognitive ability.

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22
Q

What are the challenges of communicating with visually impaired patients?

A

Explain actions thoroughly, maintain physical contact like a guiding arm, and transport aids like canes.

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23
Q

Describe techniques for effective communication with hearing-impaired patients.

A

Use visual cues, avoid shouting, and have tools like pens or apps ready.

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24
Q

What are some best practices for communicating with non-English-speaking patients?

A

Simplify language, use gestures, employ interpreters, and learn basic phrases in common languages.

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25
How does communication differ when dealing with pediatric patients?
Use a calm, friendly tone, explain procedures honestly, and consider allowing favorite items for comfort.
26
Why is honesty critical when communicating with children?
Builds trust, as children can easily detect dishonesty.
27
How can cultural norms influence the communication process?
Influence communication styles, requiring sensitivity to behaviors like avoiding eye contact or preferring personal space.
28
Describe the behavioral change stairway model.
Includes active listening, empathy, rapport building, influence, and initiating change.
29
Why is active listening particularly important with special populations?
Demonstrates attentiveness and validates patient feelings, essential for building trust.
30
List three techniques to ensure clear communication with a patient experiencing anxiety.
Speak slowly, provide reassurance, and simplify communication.
31
Define informed consent and how it applies to EMS.
Informed consent in EMS requires explaining the nature of care, potential risks, and benefits to the patient. It ensures the patient voluntarily agrees to treatment. It applies when patients have the capacity to understand and make decisions about their care.
32
What is the importance of obtaining signatures on a refusal of care form?
Signatures demonstrate that EMS professionals informed the patient of the risks associated with refusing care. It protects against liability by documenting that the patient made an informed decision.
33
Describe the legal implications of HIPAA in EMS communication.
HIPAA mandates EMS providers protect patient information by limiting access and avoiding unnecessary disclosure during verbal, written, or electronic communication.
34
How does proper documentation protect EMS providers in court?
Complete and accurate documentation serves as legal evidence that appropriate care was provided, reducing liability and supporting defense in legal disputes.
35
What is the role of medical necessity in billing for ambulance services?
Ambulance services are reimbursed only if medical necessity is demonstrated, meaning transport was required due to the patient’s inability to safely travel by other means.
36
List common errors in documentation and how to avoid them.
Errors include incomplete records, use of non-standard abbreviations, and omission of details. They can be avoided by thorough training, proofreading, and following standardized documentation protocols.
37
What are the ethical considerations when documenting patient interactions?
Ensure accuracy, avoid bias, and document only factual information. Misrepresentation or subjective opinions can compromise care integrity and legal defensibility.
38
How can EMS professionals ensure patient confidentiality in radio communications?
Use encrypted channels when available, avoid sharing identifiable information, and adhere to protocols that minimize exposure.
39
Describe the importance of reporting suspected abuse or neglect.
EMS providers are mandated reporters. Reporting ensures early intervention, potentially preventing further harm and ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
40
What are the consequences of failing to document accurately?
Inaccurate documentation can lead to legal actions, compromised patient care, and diminished trust in EMS services.
41
Describe the function of base station radios in EMS.
Fixed radios facilitate two-way communication between EMS teams and dispatch or medical control, providing a reliable link during calls.
42
How do mobile radios differ from portable radios?
Mobile radios are vehicle-installed for wider range communication, while portable radios are handheld for flexibility during field operations.
43
What is the role of digital equipment in modern EMS communication?
Digital tools like telemetry and mobile data terminals enhance data transmission, enabling real-time updates and improved coordination.
44
Explain the purpose of MED channels.
MED channels are dedicated frequencies for EMS communication, ensuring priority access during emergencies.
45
What are trunking systems, and how do they enhance communication?
Trunking systems use computer-aided frequency assignment for efficient, uninterrupted communication during high-volume incidents.
46
Why are mobile data terminals important in EMS?
MDTs improve communication by providing dispatch updates, navigation, and patient information access.
47
How can EMS professionals troubleshoot communication equipment issues?
Regular maintenance, battery checks, and familiarity with backup systems help address equipment issues promptly.
48
What steps should be taken if a radio system fails during a call?
Follow established backup protocols, use alternative communication tools like cellphones, and prioritize patient care.
49
How do cellular and satellite phones support EMS communication?
These tools provide communication in areas where radio signals are weak or unavailable, enhancing reliability.
50
What is the significance of maintaining interoperable communication systems?
Interoperable systems ensure all agencies can share information in real-time, improving coordination during complex incidents.
51
Why is effective communication during patient handovers crucial?
Clear communication ensures continuity of care and reduces the risk of errors during patient transitions.
52
What are the four questions used to establish a shared mental model?
Focus on patient priority, history of care, current state, and immediate needs.
53
How does noise in the environment affect handover communication?
Noise disrupts focus and understanding, increasing the risk of miscommunication.
54
Describe the steps to ensure a smooth handover using SBAR.
State the Situation, provide Background, share Assessment findings, and summarize Recommendations.
55
Why is it important to provide a concise and structured report during handovers?
Structured reports ensure key details are communicated effectively, supporting patient safety.
56
What role does documentation play in the handover process?
Accurate documentation ensures all relevant information is transferred, supporting future care decisions.
57
How can EMS providers ensure the accuracy of information during handovers?
Double-check details, involve the team, and confirm understanding with the receiving party.
58
Describe the importance of eye contact and body language during a handover.
These nonverbal cues build trust and reinforce verbal communication during handovers.
59
How can interruptions during handovers be minimized?
Create a focused environment by limiting noise and unnecessary interactions.
60
What is the impact of poor communication during handovers?
Errors in handovers can lead to mismanagement of care, delays, and patient harm.
61
What are the primary goals of EMS system communication?
Call for resources, transfer care of the patient, interact within the team structure, communicate with other healthcare professionals.
62
List the phases of radio communication during a typical EMS call.
Initial receipt of call, en route to the call, on scene, arrival at hospital or point of transfer, return to service.
63
What information should be included in a prearrival radio report?
Unit identification and level of service, special alerts (e.g., trauma, cardiac), patient's age and gender, chief complaint, brief history and assessment findings, treatments provided, ETA.
64
What is a shared mental model, and why is it important?
A shared mental model is the unified understanding of the patient’s condition and care priorities among team members; it minimizes errors and ensures effective teamwork.
65
How should EMS professionals handle communication breakdowns?
Use clear, concise language, repeat back messages to confirm understanding, escalate unresolved issues to supervisors or medical control.
66
What are repeaters, and how do they function?
A repeater is a base station that receives a signal on one frequency and retransmits it at a higher frequency, enabling communication over greater distances.
67
Define telemetry and its use in EMS communication.
Telemetry converts electronic signals into coded, audible signals for transmission; used for transmitting data such as cardiac monitor information to hospitals.
68
Describe the SBAR method for structured patient handovers.
SBAR stands for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recap/Treatment; provides a structured format for concise and efficient communication during patient handovers.
69
What is the Federal Communications Commission's role in EMS communication?
Regulates EMS radio communications by allocating frequencies, licensing base stations, and ensuring compliance with technical standards.
70
What are mission-critical communications, and provide an example.
Communications where failure would compromise the mission; example: Coordinating patient care during a mass casualty incident.
71
What is the purpose of a patient care report (PCR)?
To record all aspects of patient care, ensuring continuity of care, legal documentation, and administrative compliance.
72
Differentiate between written and electronic PCRs.
Written PCRs are manual and prone to legibility issues, while electronic PCRs offer improved data sharing, storage, and integration with electronic health records.
73
List six functions of the PCR.
Continuity of care, compliance and legal documentation, administrative information, reimbursement, education, and data collection for quality improvement and research.
74
What information is included in the narrative section of a PCR?
Chief complaint, assessment findings, emergency care provided, changes after treatment, scene observations, and final patient disposition.
75
What are CHART and SOAP, and how are they used in documentation?
CHART: Chief complaint, History, Assessment, Treatment, Transport. SOAP: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan. Both ensure comprehensive and structured documentation.
76
How should errors be corrected on a handwritten PCR?
Draw a single line through the error, initial it, and write the correct information. Avoid erasing or using correction fluid.
77
Why is it important to document refusals of care?
To protect against liability, demonstrate informed consent, and ensure the patient understands the risks of refusing care.
78
What are the legal implications of falsifying information on a PCR?
Falsification can lead to poor patient care, legal actions, suspension, or revocation of certification or license.
79
Describe how special reporting requirements (e.g., gunshot wounds) are handled.
Accurately and promptly report incidents like gunshot wounds, dog bites, or suspected abuse according to local laws and protocols.
80
What is the significance of timestamps in EMS documentation?
Timestamps ensure accurate documentation of events, aiding in patient care analysis, legal compliance, and administrative functions.
81
In a case involving a non-English-speaking patient, what tools can help overcome language barriers?
Use professional interpreter services, bilingual staff, translation apps, or picture-based communication aids.
82
What are the key elements of a radio report for an unconscious patient?
Include unit identification, patient’s age and gender, chief complaint, level of consciousness, vitals, treatments provided, and estimated time of arrival.
83
Describe how to document an incident involving a patient with a gunshot wound.
Record the time of the incident, patient assessment details (e.g., vitals, injury location), care provided, witness statements, and law enforcement involvement. Follow local reporting protocols.
84
How should you communicate with a child who is scared and uncooperative?
Maintain a calm tone, crouch to the child’s eye level, use simple language, involve a trusted adult, and allow the child to hold a comforting item.
85
What are the steps to take if a patient refuses to sign a refusal of care form?
Document the patient’s refusal, include witness signatures, note all advice provided to the patient, and consult medical control as required.
86
How do you report suspected elder abuse during an EMS call?
Document observations objectively, include statements made by the patient or others, and report to appropriate authorities following local protocol.
87
What strategies can help establish trust with a visually impaired patient?
Explain actions verbally, maintain physical contact during care, and ensure the presence of familiar aids like canes or guide dogs.
88
How should an EMT handle receiving conflicting information from family members?
Focus on the patient’s statements and clinical signs, remain neutral, and verify with medical history or by consulting other team members.
89
Describe how to give a concise radio report for a trauma patient.
Include unit ID, patient age, gender, injury type, vitals, interventions, and estimated time of arrival, keeping information structured and brief.
90
What steps should you take when documenting a multiple-casualty incident?
Use clear, concise notes to record patient triage categories, treatments administered, and transport details. Follow MCI protocols for documentation.
91
How can EMS agencies use PCRs for quality improvement?
PCRs help analyze trends, improve response times, and identify training needs.
92
What is the role of feedback in improving communication skills?
Constructive feedback enhances clarity, tone, and efficiency, ensuring better patient and team interaction.
93
How can simulation exercises improve documentation accuracy?
Simulations provide practice in accurate, complete documentation under realistic conditions.
94
Why is ongoing training in communication important for EMS professionals?
Enhances adaptability to diverse patient needs and ensures compliance with evolving protocols.
95
Describe the role of data collection in EMS system evaluation.
Facilitates trend analysis, funding allocation, and system-wide improvements.
96
How can EMS providers self-assess their communication effectiveness?
Reflect on patient responses, peer feedback, and the accuracy of documented information.
97
What are the benefits of peer review in EMS documentation?
Encourages consistency, identifies gaps, and fosters shared learning among providers.
98
How can EMS agencies ensure compliance with documentation standards?
Regular training, audits, and adherence to established protocols maintain high standards.
99
What role does technology play in improving EMS communication?
Tools like ePCRs and mobile data terminals improve efficiency, reduce errors, and support data integration.
100
Why is clear and accurate communication essential in patient outcomes?
Ensures accurate diagnosis, proper treatment, and continuity of care.

NETS EMT (8 decks)

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