Evolve HESI Practice Exam

Which technique is most efficient for a nurse to use during an admission interview to gather information on a client's primary health problem?

1. Open-ended questions

2. Closed-ended questions

3. Observation of non-verbal cues

4. Reflective listening

The correct answer is: Closed-ended questions

Using closed-ended questions during an admission interview is highly efficient for collecting specific, concise information about a client's primary health problem. These questions typically elicit a straightforward response, often in the form of "yes" or "no," or a specific piece of information. This approach allows the nurse to quickly ascertain important details about symptoms, duration, and intensity of issues the client may be experiencing. For example, a closed-ended question such as, "Have you experienced any chest pain in the last week?" prompts a clear and direct answer, which is especially valuable in a clinical setting where time may be limited and the nurse needs to assess the situation swiftly. In contrast, while open-ended questions encourage more expansive responses, they can lead to lengthy discussions that might not address the primary health concern directly or efficiently enough during an initial interview. Observing non-verbal cues and practicing reflective listening are useful techniques for building rapport and understanding emotional contexts, but they may not be as effective in rapidly identifying the specific health problems when immediate data gathering is critical.