Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) Practice Exam

What is the best approach to communicate with an autistic patient in the preoperative setting?

1. Avoid consistent eye contact

2. Communicate only to the caregiver

3. Communicate directly with detail

4. Maintain eye contact and speak slowly

The correct answer is: Avoid consistent eye contact

The best approach to communicate with an autistic patient in the preoperative setting involves communicating directly with detail. Autistic patients may have unique communication preferences and processing styles, and presenting information in a clear, direct, and detailed manner can help in ensuring their understanding and comfort. This approach fosters an environment where the patient feels empowered to engage with their care process, ask questions, and express concerns. Providing information in a straightforward way, while also being attentive to the patient's responses, allows the healthcare provider to tailor the communication further based on the patient's needs. This can enhance trust and rapport, which are especially important in the stressful preoperative environment. Interestingly, while maintaining eye contact can be beneficial in general communication, many autistic individuals may find direct eye contact uncomfortable or overstimulating. Thus, adjusting this aspect according to the individual’s comfort level is essential while communicating content effectively.