Human Communication Skills Exam Answers MCQs OmpathStudy

MAIN EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE (1) and any other TWO (2) questions. Human Communication Skills Exam Answers QUESTION ONE a) Four Functions of Communication During Medical Examination (4 Marks) Information Gathering - Collect patient's medical history, symptoms, and concerns Information Sharing - Explain diagnosis, treatment options, and medical procedures Relationship Building - Establish trust and rapport between doctor and patient Therapeutic Function - Provide emotional support and reassurance Decision Making - Facilitate shared decision-making about treatment Compliance Enhancement - Motivate patient adherence to treatment plans b) Attachment Theory of Communication (4 Marks) Attachment Theory explains how early relationships shape communication patterns: Secure Attachment : Comfortable with intimacy, effective communication, trusting relationships Anxious Attachment : Fear of abandonment, seeking excessive reassurance, clingy communication Avoidant Attachment : Discomfort with closeness, minimal emotional expression, distant communication Disorganized Attachment : Inconsistent communication patterns, difficulty regulating emotions Clinical Relevance : Understanding attachment styles helps healthcare providers adapt communication approaches to different patient personalities and responses. c) Three Strategies to Improve Communication (3 Marks) Active Listening - Give full attention, maintain eye contact, reflect back what you hear Empathy and Validation - Acknowledge patient's feelings and concerns genuinely Clear, Simple Language - Avoid medical jargon, use terms patients understand Non-verbal Awareness - Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone Feedback Seeking - Ask patients to repeat information to ensure understanding d) Three Legal Approaches to Adequate Informed Consent (3 Marks) Professional Standard - What a reasonable physician would disclose in similar circumstances Reasonable Person Standard - What a typical patient would want to know Subjective Standard - What this specific patient would want to know given their circumstances e) Three Factors Determining Patient's Pain Experience (3 Marks) Physical Factors - Injury severity, inflammation, nerve damage Psychological Factors - Anxiety, depression, past trauma, expectations Social/Cultural Factors - Family support, cultural beliefs about pain, social environment Cognitive Factors - Understanding of condition, coping mechanisms, attention focus f) Four Risks Discussed in Informed Consent (4 Marks) Immediate Risks - Bleeding, infection, allergic reactions during procedure Long-term Complications - Permanent disability, chronic pain, organ damage Anesthesia Risks - Respiratory depression, cardiac complications, awareness Treatment Failure - Procedure may not achieve desired outcome Alternative Treatment Risks - Consequences of not having the procedure QUESTION TWO a) Five Types of Doctor-Patient Communication (10 Marks) Paternalistic Communication Doctor makes decisions for patient Limited patient input "Doctor knows best" approach Traditional authoritative style Informative Communication Doctor provides medical information Patient makes autonomous decisions Technical focus on facts and data Minimal emotional support Doctor-Centered Communication Focuses on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment only. Often closed-ended questions; less psychosocial focus. Patient-Centered Communication Encourages patients to express concerns and values. Uses open-ended questions and active listening. Shared Decision-Making Equal partnership between doctor and patient Joint exploration of options Mutual respect for expertise Patient preferences integrated with medical evidence b) Five Benefits of Effective Doctor-Patient Communication (10 Marks) Improved Diagnostic Accuracy Better history taking leads to correct diagnosis Patients share more relevant information Reduced medical errors and misunderstandings Enhanced Patient Satisfaction Patients feel heard and respected Increased trust in healthcare provider Better overall healthcare experience Better Treatment Compliance Patients understand treatment importance Increased adherence to medications Follow-up appointments kept regularly Reduced Medical Litigation Clear communication prevents misunderstandings Patients less likely to sue when they feel respected Proper informed consent protects legally Improved Health Outcomes Better patient engagement in care Faster recovery times Reduced complications and readmissions QUESTION THREE Clinical Importance of Informed Consent During Patient Examination (20 Marks) 1. Introduction and Definition (2 marks) Informed consent is a foundational ethical, legal, and clinical principle in medical practice. It refers to the voluntary agreement of a competent patient to undergo a medical examination, procedure, or treatment after receiving adequate information about the nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives involved.It reflects respect for pat