Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care 6th Edition by Arlene M. Adler – Test Bank

Chapter 11: Patient Interactions
Adler: Introduction to Radiologic and Imaging Sciences and Patient Care, 6th Edition

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. All of the following are nonverbal communication characteristics EXCEPT
a. volume of voice.
b. body language.
c. amount of eye contact.
d. professional appearance.

ANS: A
Patients quickly perceive nonverbal communication such as tone of voice, speed of speech, and the position of the speaker’s extremities and torso (body language). Additionally, eye contact and general appearance can send nonverbal messages to others that can be equally as powerful as the spoken word.

REF: pp. 135-137

2. A patient who is near death will likely exhibit what signs of impending death?
1. Loss of bowel functions and control
2. State of unconsciousness
3. Unusual high level of alertness and response to conversation
4. A condition of “wasting away” (cachexia)
a. 1 and 3 only
b. 1, 2, and 4 only
c. 3 only
d. 2 only

ANS: B
Terminally ill patients typically experience various stages in preparation for death. Dr. Elizabeth-Kübler Ross has outlined these stages, and there is general agreement as to these stages. The final physiologic events leading to impending death include loss of bowel, unconsciousness, and no appetite with subsequent shutdown of the digestive tract. This leads to a cachexic state. A high state of energy and alertness is not an expected behavior with dying patients.

REF: pp. 142-143

3. Which of the following affects communication?
a. Values
b. Perception
c. Emotions
d. All of the above

ANS: D
Attention to the various forms of interaction and communication techniques that have proved effective in improving relationships with patients can produce dramatic results in clinical situations. It is very important to always remember that one’s own values, emotions, and perceptions can alter effective communication channels and must be avoided.

REF: p. 137

4. You have received a request to perform a radiographic study on a patient who is clearly intoxicated. In preparing to perform this procedure, you should
a. close all the examination room doors to prevent others from hearing the patient’s language.
b. put on a patient gown in case the patient vomits on you.
c. ensure your safety by checking to see that the hospital security officer will stay with the patient during the procedure.
d. prepare patient restraint devices, including restraint jackets, and tape to hold down the patient during the procedure.

ANS: C
Some substance abusers respond well to firm directions about what to do, but others are best handled by requesting that they return for examination at a later time when the effects have diminished considerably. The technologist will encounter some patients who simply cannot be examined properly without assistance from other medical personnel.

REF: p. 138

5. A dying patient who wants to stay alive long enough to see his son graduate from college would be in what stage of the dying process?
a. Denial
b. Depression
c. Anger
d. Bargaining

ANS: D
Some patients experience a bargaining stage that focuses on hope and may be based in religion—for example, prayers for small extensions of life to perform good deeds and heal family wounds. Supporting the patient’s beliefs at this time is important because the hope itself can reduce stress.

REF: p. 142

6. When dealing with a patient who has a terminal disease, it is important to
a. interact with him or her based on his or her particular stage of death.
b. provide for his or her physical needs.
c. not play psychologist and attempt to cure the patient’s depression.
d. do all of the above.

ANS: D
The radiologic technologist needs to be sure that personal feelings do not override patient concerns when caring for terminally ill patients. Most hospitals can offer assistance in dealing with personal feelings about caring for terminally ill patients through their nursing departments. The technologist should not become hardened in dealing with dying and severely injured patients but learn to handle his or her feelings appropriately during interactions with the patient, relatives, and friends.

REF: p. 142

7. Humans’ first and foremost need is
a. being accepted by peers.
b. succeeding at job or work.
c. protection from outside enemies.
d. shelter, nourishment, and water.

ANS: D
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs provides insight into the factors guiding human behavior. Maslow suggests that people strive from a basic level of physiologic needs toward a level of self-actualization.

REF: p. 132, Fig. 11-1

8. Clearly understanding your emotions when handling patients and their families is referred to as
a. personal bias.
b. emotional intelligence.
c. empathy.
d. personal intellect.

ANS: B
Emotional intelligence simply means the ability to look at yourself and others in an effort recognize and understand emotions and to use that recognition and understanding to manage emotions effectively when interacting with others.

REF: p. 131

9. When communicating with a young child as part of a radiographic examination, an effective strategy to communicate would be to
1. kneel down to the child’s eye level and lower your voice.
2. speak loudly and quickly so the child knows you’re in charge.
3. allow one of the younger radiographers in the department to perform the study.
4. speak exclusively to the parent so the child cooperates.
a. 1 and 3 only.
b. 1 only.
c. 3 only.
d. 2 and 4 only.

ANS: B
“To stand tall in pediatrics, you have to get down on your knees,” according to Armand Brodeur, MD, chief radiologist at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis. Simply getting down to the child’s level—physically, in language, and in spirit—establishes a positive relationship.

REF: p. 139

10. When working with an elderly patient,
a. speak slowly and clearly and ask for understanding and feedback.
b. write down your instructions first for the patient to read.
c. give the patient breathing instructions while you’re positioning him or her in order to hasten the procedure.
d. assume the patient can see and hear you clearly and move quickly and deliberately in order to get done.

ANS: A
Technologists should treat geriatric patients as mature adults, with all the normal interaction that would be used with healthier or younger patients. When communicating with geriatric patients, it is important to speak clearly and slowly and to ask for feedback from the patient to ensure complete understanding.

REF: p. 141