How To Interact With Special Patients

Question 1

The anxious patient:

Answer 1

1. Encourage pt to talk about feelings.
2. 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.
3. Do not spend too much time delving into the sources of anxiety as the patient may spend too long discussing his/her worries.

Question 2

The angry patient:

Answer 2

1. Stay calm and don’t be frightened. The patient is just acting to test your response.
2. Let him express his feelings and inquiry about his anger.
3. (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.”

Question 3

The crying patient:

Answer 3

1. Allow the crying patient to express his feelings — wait in SILENCE for him to finish.
2. Offer tissue and show empathy in your facial expressions.
3. “I know that you feel sad. Would you like to tell me about it?”
4. Don’t worry about time constraints in such cases.

Question 4

The patient who is in pain:

Answer 4

1. Show compassion. “I know that you are in pain”.
2. “Is there anything I can do for you to help you feel more comfortable?”.
3. Do not repeat painful maneuvers + inform the patient before performing potentially painful maneuvers.
4. “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”.
5. “I will be as quick and gentle as possible”.
6. 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

Question 5

The patient who can’t pay for the tests or for treatments:

Answer 5

1. Reassure the patient by saying “Not having enough money doesn’t mean you can’t get treatment”.
2. You might also add “We can refer you to a social worker who can help you find resources.”

Question 6

The pt who refuses to answer your question or let you examine him/her:

Answer 6

1. Explain to the patient why the question or the physical exam is important.
2. Tell the pt that it is necessary to allow you to understand the problem and arrive at a diagnosis.
3. If the pt still refuses to cooperate, skip the question or the maneuver, and document his/her refusal and your counseling in the PN.

Question 7

The hard-of-hearing patient:

Answer 7

1. Face the pt directly to allow him/her to read your lips.
2. Speak slowly, and do not cover your mouth.
3. Use gestures to reinforce your words.
4. Sit closer to the hearing side.
5. If necessary, write down your question and show it.

Question 8

The pt who doesn’t know the names of his/her meds or it taking meds whose names YOU don’t recognize:

Answer 8

1. Ask the pt if he has a prescription or a written list of the meds he is currently taking.
2. If not, ask the pt to bring the list on the next visit or fax it to the clinic.
3. You can also ask for what conditions the pt is taking the meds to get a general idea.

Question 9

The confused pt:

Answer 9

1. 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”.
2. 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”.

Question 10

The pt who needs assistance with making decisions:

Answer 10

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.