Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the relative contribution of nonverbal communication in healthcare interactions?

Accepted Answer

Nonverbal communication accounts for approximately 70% of the information exchanged, with tone of voice contributing 23% and words only 7%.

Question 2

A healthcare professional notices a patient sitting with crossed arms. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial response?

Accepted Answer

Make a nonjudgmental observation and ask the patient for clarification about their feelings.

Question 3

Which category of nonverbal communication involves the physical distance between people and concepts such as territoriality and personal space?

Accepted Answer

Proxemics

Question 4

A healthcare professional leans slightly forward, maintains eye contact, and keeps their arms and legs uncrossed while speaking with a patient. This posture is most likely to convey:

Accepted Answer

Warmth, confidence, and friendliness

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of an 'illustrator' in nonverbal communication?

Accepted Answer

A nurse pointing to a chart while explaining a procedure

Question 6

When verbal and nonverbal messages conflict, which is most likely to be believed by the patient?

Accepted Answer

The nonverbal message

Question 7

A patient grimaces during a physical examination. According to the study materials, what does this facial expression most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

The patient has reached their threshold of pain.

Question 8

Which of the following guidelines should a healthcare professional follow to ensure touch is perceived positively during a clinical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Explain when, where, and how the patient will be touched before beginning.

Question 9

Which distance zone is most appropriate for a healthcare professional when discussing a personal matter with a patient?

Accepted Answer

Personal distance ($$1.5 to$$ $$4$$ feet)

Question 10

A healthcare professional observes a patient with a drooping head, sagging shoulders, and low muscle tone. What emotional state is this posture most likely to indicate?

Accepted Answer

Depression or discouragement

Question 11

Which of the following best describes 'leakage' in nonverbal communication?

Accepted Answer

Subconscious gestures or facial expressions that reveal true feelings

Question 12

A patient averts their gaze and avoids eye contact during a consultation. According to the study materials, this behavior may indicate:

Accepted Answer

Sadness, depression, or mental health problems

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a recommended nonverbal communication skill for healthcare professionals?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining barriers between yourself and the patient

Question 14

A healthcare professional is about to perform a procedure that requires entering a patient's personal space. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Explain the procedure and obtain the patient's consent before proceeding.

Question 15

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'congruency' in communication?

Accepted Answer

A healthcare professional’s verbal and nonverbal messages are consistent and reinforce each other.

Question 16

Which of the following is a culturally informed aspect of nonverbal communication that healthcare professionals must consider?

Accepted Answer

Eye contact

Question 17

A patient leans forward with legs drawn back during a consultation. This posture most likely indicates:

Accepted Answer

Interest in the conversation

Question 18

Which of the following is a function of gaze patterns in nonverbal communication?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring, regulating, and expressing emotion

Question 19

A healthcare professional observes that patients who receive longer gaze from HCPs tend to:

Accepted Answer

Talk more freely about health concerns and provide more information about psychological issues.

Question 20

Which of the following is a recommended approach to help lessen a patient’s anxiety created by the loss of personal space in a healthcare setting?

Accepted Answer

Allow the patient to exercise as much control over their surroundings as possible.

Nonverbal Communication in Healthcare: Psychological Principles and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards