What might an open-ended question in the EAQ ask?

An open-ended question is designed to encourage a detailed and subjective response from the patient, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words. The question "Describe any discomfort you are experiencing right now" invites the patient to elaborate on their experiences, providing a richer and more nuanced understanding of their comfort and discomfort. This type of question fosters a dialogue that can reveal specific issues, underlying feelings, and personal perceptions of discomfort, which are essential for effective assessment and subsequent care planning.

In contrast, the other options are examples of closed-ended questions which typically require brief, specific answers and often limit the depth of information gathered. For instance, asking about current pain levels or how satisfied a patient is with their care tends to result in ratings or simple acknowledgments rather than the comprehensive insights that a patient might provide in response to an open-ended prompt. Similarly, asking patients to list their symptoms may restrict their responses to a checklist format rather than allowing them to express the complexity of their experiences.