Certified Medical Assistant Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of an open-ended question?

1. Asking for a yes or no response regarding chest pain

2. Requesting a list of exercises causing chest pain

3. Seeking a specific remedy for chest pain

4. Querying about the relationship between chest pain and diet

The correct answer is: Requesting a list of exercises causing chest pain

An open-ended question is designed to encourage detailed responses, allowing the individual to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words rather than simply providing a one-word answer or a choice from a set list. The best example of this in the given options is the query about the relationship between chest pain and diet. This question invites the respondent to elaborate on their experiences, thoughts, or observations regarding how diet may affect their chest pain, leading to a more expanded discussion that can reveal valuable information. In contrast, asking for a yes or no response regarding chest pain, requesting a list of exercises causing chest pain, or seeking a specific remedy for chest pain are all structured in a way that limits the participant's ability to provide a detailed or nuanced answer. These types of questions typically lead to more narrow responses and do not facilitate the same level of insight or exploration of the topic as an open-ended question does.