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

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

• A. Do you have any pain?
• B. How have you been getting along?
• C. Is this medication working?
• D. Can you rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10?

Answer: (B)

An open-ended question is designed to elicit detailed responses and encourages the respondent to elaborate on their thoughts, feelings, or experiences rather than providing a simple yes or no answer. The question "How have you been getting along?" invites the individual to share their personal experiences and insights, allowing for a richer and more informative response. This type of question can yield valuable information about the patient's overall well-being and needs. In contrast, the other questions mentioned typically require a more limited response. For example, asking if someone has pain or whether the medication is working can usually be answered with a straightforward affirmative or negative. Similarly, requesting a pain rating on a scale is a closed question; it restricts the response to a numerical value without allowing for elaboration on the person's experience with their pain.

An open-ended question is designed to elicit detailed responses and encourages the respondent to elaborate on their thoughts, feelings, or experiences rather than providing a simple yes or no answer. The question "How have you been getting along?" invites the individual to share their personal experiences and insights, allowing for a richer and more informative response. This type of question can yield valuable information about the patient's overall well-being and needs.

In contrast, the other questions mentioned typically require a more limited response. For example, asking if someone has pain or whether the medication is working can usually be answered with a straightforward affirmative or negative. Similarly, requesting a pain rating on a scale is a closed question; it restricts the response to a numerical value without allowing for elaboration on the person's experience with their pain.