Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Are open-ended or close-ended questions better to ask in patient assessment?

1. Open-ended questions for detailed responses

2. Close-ended questions for specific answers

3. Both are equally effective

4. Neither are effective

The correct answer is: Open-ended questions for detailed responses

Open-ended questions are advantageous in patient assessment because they encourage patients to provide detailed, narrative responses that can reveal not only the specific symptoms they are experiencing but also their feelings, concerns, and contexts surrounding their condition. By asking open-ended questions, the responder allows patients to express themselves more fully, which can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of their medical history and current issues. This type of questioning is particularly helpful in assessing complex situations where nuances and subtle differences in a patient's description matter for accurate diagnosis and care planning. In the context of patient assessment, the richness of information that open-ended questions can yield is invaluable, as it often uncovers insights that close-ended questions may not capture. Close-ended questions, while useful for obtaining specific facts or details, can limit the patient's ability to share vital contextual information. They may risk missing additional relevant symptoms that the patient might consider secondary but are, in fact, crucial for thorough assessment and decision-making. Therefore, open-ended questions are a preferred approach when aiming to develop rapport, foster communication, and gather a holistic view of the patient's health status.