MODULE 2 Flashcards
Communication - Difficult Conversations and Caring for Families (10 cards)
- What is the primary goal of communication in palliative care?
A) To convince patients to accept treatment options
B) To provide clear, compassionate, and person-centred communication
C) To minimize patient involvement in decision-making
D) To focus only on medical treatment and avoid discussing emotions
B) To provide clear, compassionate, and person-centred communication
Explanation: Effective communication in palliative care focuses on empathy, honesty, and respect for the individual’s values, ensuring they understand their options and can make informed decisions.
Which of the following is an example of active listening in palliative care?
A) Providing a quick response to move the conversation along
B) Interrupting when the patient hesitates to keep the discussion focused
C) Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and summarizing what the patient has said
D) Avoiding difficult topics to keep the conversation comfortable
C) Nodding, maintaining eye contact, and summarizing what the patient has said
Explanation: Active listening involves showing attentiveness through verbal and non-verbal cues, ensuring patients feel heard and understood.
What is the best approach when discussing prognosis with a patient who is reluctant to talk about it?
A) Force the discussion to ensure they understand their condition
B) Respect their choice, create a safe space, and revisit the topic later if they are ready
C) Ignore their reluctance and continue providing medical updates
D) Only communicate with the family about the prognosis
B) Respect their choice, create a safe space, and revisit the topic later if they are ready
Explanation: Some patients may not be ready to discuss prognosis. Providing reassurance and allowing them to engage in their own time promotes autonomy and emotional well-being.
Which of the following is a key ethical principle in palliative care communication?
A) Autonomy – respecting the patient’s right to make decisions
B) Paternalism – making decisions on behalf of the patient
C) Avoidance – preventing discussions about end-of-life issues
D) Coercion – encouraging patients to choose certain treatment options
A) Autonomy – respecting the patient’s right to make decisions
Explanation: Ethical communication in palliative care prioritizes autonomy, ensuring patients have control over their care and decision-making.
A family member is experiencing distress and disagreement over a patient’s end-of-life care decisions. What is the best response?
A) Tell them their opinion does not matter since the patient makes the final decision
B) Encourage a structured family meeting to facilitate shared decision-making
C) Ignore the conflict and focus only on medical care
D) Ask another family member to intervene and resolve the issue
B) Encourage a structured family meeting to facilitate shared decision-making
Explanation: Family meetings help address concerns, clarify misunderstandings, and
How should a nurse explain complex medical information to a patient with a life-limiting illness?
A) Use clear, simple language and check for understanding
B) Use complex medical terminology to ensure accuracy
C) Give all the information at once to avoid delays in care
D) Withhold certain information to prevent distress
A) Use clear, simple language and check for understanding
Explanation: Patients and families need understandable information to make informed decisions. Using plain language and verifying understanding prevents confusion and anxiety.
Why is it important to acknowledge a family’s emotions in palliative care communication?
A) It reassures them that their feelings are valid and respected
B) It prevents them from expressing negative emotions
C) It ensures the healthcare team remains in control of discussions
D) It reduces the need for additional emotional support services
A) It reassures them that their feelings are valid and respected
Explanation: Recognizing and validating emotions fosters trust and open communication, making families feel supported during difficult times.
What is a key component of bereavement communication?
A) Avoiding the topic of death to prevent distress
B) Using clear, compassionate language to acknowledge the loss
C) Telling the family to move on quickly to aid recovery
D) Limiting support to only immediate family members
B) Using clear, compassionate language to acknowledge the loss
Explanation: Families benefit from open, supportive discussions about grief and loss, using sensitive language to provide comfort and validation.
In palliative care, why is non-verbal communication important?
A) It replaces the need for verbal communication
B) It ensures patients do not feel pressured to talk
C) It conveys empathy, attentiveness, and reassurance
D) It helps avoid discussing difficult topics
C) It conveys empathy, attentiveness, and reassurance
Explanation: Non-verbal communication, such as eye contact, facial expressions, and body language, plays a crucial role in expressing empathy and building trust.
When supporting a caregiver of a patient with a life-limiting condition, what is an appropriate strategy?
A) Remind them that their focus should only be on the patient’s needs
B) Encourage self-care and offer professional support resources
C) Tell them they should handle everything independently
D) Limit communication to medical updates only
B) Encourage self-care and offer professional support resources
Explanation: Caregivers need support to manage stress and avoid burnout. Encouraging self-care and connecting them with resources helps maintain their well-being while they care for the patient.
