EMT Chapter 4: Communications and Documentation

Questions and Answers

What is ethnocentrism defined as?

Considering your own cultural values as more important when interacting with people of a different culture. (correct)

Understanding that people from different cultural backgrounds respond to pain and stress differently.

Suspecting that a person has an ulterior motive based on the tone of his or her voice when answering a question.

Subconsciously forcing your cultural values onto a patient because you feel that yours are more acceptable.

When assessing a child from an Asian family with red marks on his back due to traditional coining, you should:

Advise the child's parents that this is a harmful practice and is considered a form of child abuse in the United States.

Advise the emergency department physician that you feel as though the child was intentionally abused by his parents.

Document this on your patient care report and advise the emergency department staff of what the child's parents told you. (correct)

Acknowledge and respect this practice as a cultural belief, but advise the child's parents that it has no healing power.

As you assess a 75-year-old woman with shortness of breath, it is important to remember that:

A patient's personal space should not be violated, regardless of any barriers that may hamper communication.

As you physically get closer to the patient, a greater sense of trust must be established. (correct)

Placing yourself in the patient's personal space is relaying to her that you can be trusted.

It is necessary to enter an older person's intimate space because the elderly are typically hearing impaired.

You are interacting with a 60-year-old man complaining of chest pain. Which question would be the MOST appropriate to ask him?

"Do you have any heart problems or take any medications?" Signup and view all the answers

When interviewing a retired paramedic who thinks he is having a heart attack, what statement would be appropriate?

"It is possible that you are experiencing a heart attack. I am going to give you four baby aspirin to chew and swallow." Signup and view all the answers

Calming and reassuring an anxious patient can be facilitated by:

Maintaining eye contact with the patient whenever possible. Signup and view all the answers

During your assessment of a 20-year-old man with severe headache, what should you do if he does not answer immediately?

Allow him time to think about the question and respond to it. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethnocentrism

Ethnocentrism involves considering one's own cultural values as superior when interacting with individuals from different cultures.
This perspective can lead to biases and misinterpretations in patient care.

Cultural Practices in Medical Assessment

Recognize and respect cultural healing practices, such as "coining," which may cause physical marks but are part of a family's cultural beliefs.
Documentation of such practices in patient care reports is crucial for informing the emergency department about the patient's background.

Personal Space and Trust in Elderly Patients

Establishing trust involves respecting a patient's personal space; encroaching can be perceived negatively.
Building trust may require understanding the dynamics of intimacy and communication, especially with elderly patients.

History Taking in Chest Pain Assessment

During assessment of chest pain, inquire about existing heart problems or medications for effective evaluation.
This is the most pertinent information to gather, helping to ascertain potential heart issues.

Communicating with Anxious Patients

Use understanding language when addressing anxious patients, particularly those with medical backgrounds.
Suggesting immediate actions (like administering aspirin) conveys urgency and reassurance.

Patient Reassurance Techniques

Maintain eye contact to foster a calming presence during assessments or treatments.
Clear communication without medical jargon can enhance patient understanding and trust.

Allowing Time for Patient Responses

When patients seem hesitant to answer questions, allow them the necessary time to think and respond.
This approach can facilitate better communication and may lead to more accurate information gathering.

Description

Test your understanding of key concepts in communications and documentation from EMT Chapter 4. This flashcard quiz covers topics including ethnocentrism and the importance of cultural awareness in emergency medical situations.