Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Communication and Legal/EthicalMedium
A medical assistant is explaining dietary modifications to a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension. The patient frequently interrupts, makes sarcastic remarks, and avoids eye contact. Which of the following communication barriers is the patient primarily demonstrating?
- ALanguage barrier
- BIntellectual barrier
- CEmotional barrier
- DPhysical barrier
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Emotional barrier
Sarcastic remarks, frequent interruptions, and avoidance of eye contact often indicate underlying emotional distress, anger, or defensiveness, which are classic signs of an emotional communication barrier. The patient may be feeling overwhelmed, scared, or resentful about their diagnosis.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. There is no indication of a language difference; the patient is communicating, albeit negatively.
- B. There is no information to suggest the patient has difficulty understanding due to intellectual capacity.
- D. Physical barriers relate to environmental factors or sensory impairments, not the patient's observed behavior.
Emotional Communication Barriers
Obstacles to effective communication caused by a person's feelings, attitudes, or psychological state, such as anger, fear, anxiety, or defensiveness.
- Can manifest as sarcasm, withdrawal, or hostility.
- Requires empathy and active listening to address.
- Can impede patient education and adherence.
Memory trick: Emotional, Environmental, Educational, Expressive: The 4 E's of Barriers.