Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What is an essential skill when dealing with patients?

1. Speaking loudly

2. Listening

3. Writing notes

4. Reading body language

The correct answer is: Listening

Listening is an essential skill when dealing with patients because it fosters effective communication and allows healthcare providers to understand patients' needs, concerns, and feelings. This skill helps to build trust and rapport, which are critical components of patient care. By actively listening, a Patient Care Technician can gather important information about a patient's condition, clarify their questions, and respond appropriately to their concerns. While speaking loudly might be necessary in certain environments to ensure clarity, it is not generally a skill that enhances the therapeutic relationship or understanding. Writing notes is important for documentation but does not directly impact the interaction with patients in real-time. Reading body language can complement listening but is not as crucial on its own as the ability to attentively listen to what a patient is saying.