Chapter 03: The Interview

Test Bank

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The nurse is conducting an interview with a woman who has recently learned that

she is pregnant and who has come to the clinic today to begin prenatal care. The woman states

that she and her husband are excited about the pregnancy but have a few questions. She looks

nervously at her hands during the interview and sighs loudly. Considering the concept of

communication, the nurse knows that which statement is most accurate? The woman is:

A) excited about her pregnancy but nervous about labor.

B) exhibiting verbal and nonverbal behavior that does not match.

C) excited about her pregnancy but her husband is not and this is upsetting to her.

D) not excited about her pregnancy but believes the nurse will respond negatively to

her if she states this.

ANS: B

Communication is all behavior, conscious and unconscious, verbal and nonverbal. All behavior

has meaning. Her behavior does not specify that she is nervous about labor, upset by her

husband, or worried about the nurse’s response.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)

REF: Page: 29 MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

2. Receiving is a part of the communication process. Which receiver is most likely

to misinterpret a message sent by a health care professional?

A) Well-adjusted adolescent who came in for a sports physical

B) Recovering alcoholic who came in for a basic physical examination

C) Man whose wife has just been diagnosed with lung cancer

D) Man with a hearing impairment who uses sign language to communicate and who

has an interpreter with him

ANS: C

The receiver attaches meaning determined by his or her past experiences, culture, self-concept,

and current physical and emotional states. The man whose wife has just been diagnosed with

lung cancer may be experiencing emotions that affect his receiving.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyzing (Analysis)

REF: Page: 30 MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

3. The nurse makes which adjustment in the physical environment in order to

promote the success of an interview?

A) Reduces noise by turning off televisions and radios

B) Reduces the distance between the interviewer and the patient to 2 feet or less

C) Provides a dim light that makes a room cozier and will help the patient relax

D) Arranges seating across a desk or table to allow the patient some personal space

ANS: A

The nurse should reduce noise by turning off the television, radio, and other unnecessary

equipment because multiple stimuli are confusing. The interviewer and patient should be about 4

to 5 feet apart; the room should be well-lit so that the interviewer and patient can see each other

clearly. Having a table or desk in between the two people creates the idea of a barrier; equalstatus seating, at eye level, is better.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)

REF: Page: 31 MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

4. In an interview, the nurse may find it necessary to take notes to aid his or her

memory later. Which statement is true regarding note-taking?

A) Note-taking may impede the nurse’s observation of the patient’s nonverbal behaviors.

B) Note-taking allows the patient to continue at his or her own pace as the nurse

records what is said.

C) Note-taking allows the nurse to shift attention away from the patient, resulting in an

increased comfort level.

D) Note-taking allows the nurse to break eye contact with the patient, which may

increase his or her level of comfort.

ANS: A

Some use of history forms and note-taking may be unavoidable. But be aware that note-taking

during the interview has disadvantages. It breaks eye contact too often, and it shifts attention

away from the patient, which diminishes his or her sense of importance. It also may interrupt the

patient’s narrative flow, and it impedes the observation of the patient’s nonverbal behavior.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)

REF: Page: 31 MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

5. The nurse asks, “I would like to ask you some questions about your health and

your usual daily activities so that we can better plan your stay here.” This question is found at the

phase of the interview process.

A) summary

B) closing

C) body

D) opening or introduction

ANS: D

When gathering a complete history, the nurse should give the reason for the interview during the

opening or introduction of the interview, not during or at the end of the interview.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)

REF: Page: 32 MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

6. A woman has just entered the emergency department after being battered by her

husband. The nurse needs to get some information from her to begin treatment. What is the best

choice for an opening with this patient?

A) “Hello Nancy, my name is Mrs. C.”

B) “Hello, Mrs. H., my name is Mrs. C. It sure is cold today!”

C) “Mrs. H., my name is Mrs. C. How are you?”

D) “Mrs. H., my name is Mrs. C. I’ll need to ask you a few questions about what

happened.”

ANS: D

Address the person by using his or her surname. The nurse should introduce himself or herself

and give the reason for the interview. Friendly small talk is not needed to build rapport.

PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)

REF: Page: 32 MSC: Client Needs: Psychosocial Integrity

7. During an interview, the nurse states, “You mentioned shortness of breath. Tell me

more about that.” Which verbal skill is used with this statement?

A) Reflection

B) Facilitation

C) Direct question

D) Open-ended question

ANS: D

The open-ended question asks for narrative information. It states the topic to be discussed but

only in general terms. The nurse should use it to begin the interview, to introduce a new section

of questions, and whenever the person introduces a new topic.