Question

a 35-year-old patient presents for an initial psychiatric evaluation. during the interview, the patient is reluctant to provide personal information. how should the pmhnp proceed?

• insist that the patient answer all questions
• move on to the next question without addressing the reluctance
• end the interview and reschedule
• reassure the patient about confidentiality and build rapport

Explanation:

In psychiatric evaluations, building trust and rapport is crucial. Insisting on answers (first option) can increase resistance. Ignoring reluctance (second) doesn’t address the issue. Ending the interview (third) is unnecessary. Reassuring about confidentiality and building rapport (fourth) helps the patient feel safe to share, which is a standard approach in mental health practice.

Answer:

D. Reassure the patient about confidentiality and build rapport