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Question
A patient from a culture where direct eye contact with authority figures is considered disrespectful avoids eye contact during an intake interview. What is the MOST appropriate response?
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Answer
A.Insist the patient make eye contact so their affect can be properly assessed
B.Document in the chart that the patient was uncooperative during the visit
C.Recognize this as a cultural difference and continue normally
D.Assume the patient is being untruthful about their symptoms
Eye contact norms vary across cultures. A CCMA should recognize cultural communication differences rather than interpreting them as disrespect, dishonesty, or lack of cooperation, and should continue the interview professionally.