How To Interact With Special Patients Flashcards
1
Q
The anxious patient:
A
- Encourage pt to talk about feelings.
- Any pt in your situation might react in this way, but I want you to know that I will do my best to address your concerns.
- Do not spend too much time delving into the sources of anxiety as the patient may spend too long discussing his/her worries.
2
Q
The angry patient:
A
- Stay calm and don’t be frightened. The patient is just acting to test your response.
- Let him express his feelings and inquiry about his anger.
- (If late) “I can understand why anyone in your situation might become angry under the same circumstances, but I am here now and it is your time.”
3
Q
The crying patient:
A
- Allow the crying patient to express his feelings — wait in SILENCE for him to finish.
- Offer tissue and show empathy in your facial expressions.
- “I know that you feel sad. Would you like to tell me about it?”
- Don’t worry about time constraints in such cases.
4
Q
The patient who is in pain:
A
- Show compassion. “I know that you are in pain”.
- “Is there anything I can do for you to help you feel more comfortable?”.
- Do not repeat painful maneuvers + inform the patient before performing potentially painful maneuvers.
- “I want to help you. I need to examine you, though, to be able to locate the source of your pain and give you the right treatment”.
- “I will be as quick and gentle as possible”.
- If the pt does not allow you to touch his abdomen because of the severe pain ==> “I know that you are in pain, and I want to help you. I need to examine you though, to be able to locate the source of your pain and give you the right
5
Q
The patient who can’t pay for the tests or for treatments:
A
- Reassure the patient by saying “Not having enough money doesn’t mean you can’t get treatment”.
- You might also add “We can refer you to a social worker who can help you find resources.”
6
Q
The pt who refuses to answer your question or let you examine him/her:
A
- Explain to the patient why the question or the physical exam is important.
- Tell the pt that it is necessary to allow you to understand the problem and arrive at a diagnosis.
- If the pt still refuses to cooperate, skip the question or the maneuver, and document his/her refusal and your counseling in the PN.
7
Q
The hard-of-hearing patient:
A
- Face the pt directly to allow him/her to read your lips.
- Speak slowly, and do not cover your mouth.
- Use gestures to reinforce your words.
- Sit closer to the hearing side.
- If necessary, write down your question and show it.
8
Q
The pt who doesn’t know the names of his/her meds or it taking meds whose names YOU don’t recognize:
A
- Ask the pt if he has a prescription or a written list of the meds he is currently taking.
- If not, ask the pt to bring the list on the next visit or fax it to the clinic.
- You can also ask for what conditions the pt is taking the meds to get a general idea.
9
Q
The confused pt:
A
- If the pt is forgetful or confused, he/she will likely answer your questions by stating. “I don’t know” or “I can’t remember”.
- In such cases, ask your pt “Is there anyone who does know about your problem, and may I contact him/her to obtain some information”.
10
Q
The pt who needs assistance with making decisions:
A
In such a case, it is NOT necessary to perform a PEx or complete the data interpretation section of the PN.
Examinees will see a max of one such case.