2 Patient Communication and Consent Free Online FlashCards

What should you explain before collecting a specimen?

Explain what you will collect and why, within your role and the information available to you.

What sensations and common risks should you mention?

Mention possible sensations such as a brief pinch or pressure, possible dizziness or faintness, and relevant common risks such as bruising. Do not promise the procedure will be painless.

What should the patient be asked to do during collection?

Ask the patient to keep their arm still and tell you if they feel unwell.

How should you respond to a question you cannot answer?

Answer honestly, and do not guess about matters beyond your role. Offer to contact the appropriate clinician.

How does teach-back help check understanding?

Ask the patient to explain what they can expect. If they are unsure, explain differently and check again; teach-back checks your explanation, not the patient.

What makes consent informed and voluntary?

Consent is an ongoing conversation, not merely a signature. The patient needs understandable information and freedom to agree or decline without coercion.

Why must you ask the patient directly before proceeding?

Ask the patient for permission before proceeding. Silence, presence, or a family member's agreement is not the patient's consent when they can communicate their own choice.

What should you do when a language barrier affects an important discussion?

Arrange appropriate help before proceeding. Use a qualified medical interpreter for important discussions when needed, speak to the patient, and do not rely on a child or unqualified companion.

What support may patients with communication needs require?

Provide appropriate communication accommodations for patients who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have other communication needs.

What should you do if a patient refuses or asks you to stop?

Do not begin. If collection is underway, stop and withdraw safely as soon as it is safe to do so, then attend to the patient.

What should follow a refusal or withdrawal?

Explain the next step within your role, such as notifying the clinician. Do not promise refusal will have no consequences; document and report it according to workplace policy.

When should you pause and seek guidance?

Pause and seek clinician or supervisor guidance if understanding, voluntary communication, distress, impairment, the order, a clinical concern, or consent authority is uncertain. Do not make your own capacity or substitute-consent decision.