Question

2. Mrs. Smithers, an 83-year-old established patient, is in today for follow-up after falling and breaking her arm 2 weeks ago. Her daughter is with her and insists on going back to the exam room. During the patient interview, you notice that each time you ask Mrs. Smithers a question her daughter answers before she is able to. Mrs. Smithers exhibits signs of nervousness before she responds while she glances at her daughter. How should you handle this situation?

Answer 1

Fron the given scenario it looks that the Mrs Smither is having fear of her daughter.

The best possible handling of such situation is to interview her when she is alone. It will provide her space and she will be answering properly otherwise the whole situation is futile exercise.

Other method like visual and non verbal communication signs of Mrs Smither must be noted if she is fearing more, which is evident of her glance to her daughter every time when she answer, means she is taking permission from her daughter.