Practice questions
Topic: 3 Communication and Collaboration
3. Communication and Collaboration (8% of exam – 15 questions)
3.01 Use appropriate communication approaches
3.04 Use effective electronic communication skills
3.05 Use effective interpersonal skills
3.06 Engage in teamwork
3.07 Participate in collaborative practice
Q1. A client becomes visibly upset after receiving a new diagnosis and says, “This is just too much.” What is the most appropriate response from the dietitian?
A. “Let’s move forward with your nutrition plan to stay on track.”
B. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed — would it help to pause and talk about what’s most important right now?”
C. “It’s not as bad as you think; we’ll get through this.”
D. “I understand. I’ve seen a lot of clients handle this just fine.”
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.01 – Use appropriate communication approaches
Rationale:
B is correct because it uses empathetic, client-centred language and helps prioritize the client’s emotional needs.
A is dismissive and overly task-focused.
C minimizes the client’s emotions.
D shifts the focus away from the client and may feel invalidating.
Q2. Which of the following best demonstrates trauma-informed communication?
A. Explaining medical terms in great detail to ensure understanding
B. Asking permission before discussing sensitive topics
C. Avoiding any emotionally charged topics
D. Relying on verbal communication rather than body language
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Broad Knowledge
Competency: 3.01 – Use appropriate communication approaches
Rationale:
B is correct because asking permission builds safety and control, key to trauma-informed care.
A may overwhelm clients.
C is avoidant and not client-centred.
D ignores the importance of non-verbal cues.
Q3 (Case-Based). During a family counselling session, the client's parent dominates the conversation, interrupting frequently. What should the dietitian do?
A. Thank the parent and continue with the planned discussion
B. Acknowledge the parent’s input and redirect the conversation to the client
C. Ask the parent to leave the session
D. End the session early to avoid conflict
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.01 – Use appropriate communication approaches
Rationale:
B is correct because it maintains respectful dialogue while prioritizing the client’s voice and autonomy.
A allows the dynamic to continue.
C may escalate tension unnecessarily.
D avoids resolution and interrupts care.
Q4. A dietitian emails a client using a secure platform, but the client replies using their personal email and includes health information. What is the best next step?
A. Reply through regular email to match the client’s preference
B. Call the client and ask to switch platforms
C. Continue the conversation through the secure platform only
D. Document the communication and continue via phone
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Broad Knowledge
Competency: 3.04 – Use effective electronic communication skills
Rationale:
C is correct because it maintains confidentiality and aligns with privacy legislation.
A breaches security protocols.
B may be disruptive without solving the issue.
D avoids using secure communication tools and increases risk.
Q5. A client becomes defensive when asked about their food choices. What is the best response?
A. “I didn’t mean to offend you — let’s move on.”
B. “Why are you getting upset?”
C. “I can see this is a tough subject — would you like to talk more about it or focus elsewhere today?”
D. “Let’s stay focused on the goals we set.”
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.05 – Use effective interpersonal skills
Rationale:
C is correct because it acknowledges emotion and offers collaborative flexibility.
A dismisses the issue.
B may escalate tension.
D ignores emotional cues.
Q6. Which phrase demonstrates active listening?
A. “That must be really difficult — tell me more about what that’s been like.”
B. “You should try journaling — it helps a lot of people.”
C. “I’ve had similar struggles, so I understand completely.”
D. “Okay, let’s move to the next section.”
Correct Answer: A
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 3.05 – Use effective interpersonal skills
Rationale:
A is correct because it shows empathy, curiosity, and invites sharing.
B offers advice without validating.
C centers the provider’s experience.
D shifts the focus away prematurely.
Q7. A client says, “You probably think I’m just lazy.” What is the best response?
A. “You’re not lazy — you’re just not trying hard enough.”
B. “That’s not true. Let’s focus on making a plan.”
C. “It sounds like you’re feeling judged. Can you tell me more about that?”
D. “We all struggle sometimes — I can relate.”
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.05 – Use effective interpersonal skills
Rationale:
C is correct because it explores the client’s feelings and builds trust.
A is contradictory and dismissive.
B shuts down deeper discussion.
D shifts the focus away from the client.
Q8. A dietitian wants to build rapport with a new client. What is the most effective strategy?
A. Immediately review the nutrition plan
B. Start with a compliment on appearance
C. Ask open-ended questions about their goals
D. Ask if they’ve read Canada’s Food Guide
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 3.05 – Use effective interpersonal skills
Rationale:
C is correct because it invites collaboration and shows interest in the client’s perspective.
A skips the relationship-building phase.
B can be inappropriate.
D may feel evaluative or test-like.
Q9. A client shares that they don’t feel heard by their care team. What should the dietitian do?
A. Thank them and continue with the session
B. Apologize on behalf of the team
C. Acknowledge their experience and ask how you can support them better
D. Suggest a new provider
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 3.05 – Use effective interpersonal skills
Rationale:
C is correct because it centers the client’s experience and offers a chance to rebuild trust.
A avoids the issue.
B may feel insincere or overstep.
D is too abrupt and avoids responsibility.
Q10. A dietitian notices that a colleague repeatedly misses documentation deadlines. What is the best approach?
A. Report them to management immediately
B. Discuss your concerns with the colleague privately
C. Cover their documentation temporarily
D. Bring it up during a team meeting
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.06 – Engage in teamwork
Rationale:
B is correct because respectful peer communication is key to resolving team challenges.
A may escalate unnecessarily.
C is unsustainable and lacks boundaries.
D may embarrass the colleague.
Q11. Which of the following supports effective teamwork?
A. Prioritizing your own tasks above all else
B. Ignoring conflicts to keep the peace
C. Regularly participating in team huddles and offering input
D. Only providing feedback when asked
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 3.06 – Engage in teamwork
Rationale:
C is correct because collaboration involves active contribution and communication.
A promotes siloed work.
B avoids problem-solving.
D limits feedback and shared improvement.
Q12. A physician questions a dietitian’s recommendation in front of the client. What is the best response?
A. Defend your recommendation assertively
B. Ask to speak privately with the physician to clarify roles
C. Apologize and change your recommendation
D. Ignore the comment and move on
Correct Answer: B
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.07 – Participate in collaborative practice
Rationale:
B is correct because collaborative practice includes resolving role conflict respectfully and outside the client’s view.
A may escalate the situation.
C undermines professional judgment.
D avoids addressing the issue.
Q13. Which of the following reflects collaborative practice?
A. Taking sole responsibility for client follow-up
B. Referring to other professionals only when asked
C. Sharing assessment results with relevant team members
D. Making all decisions independently
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Demonstrate Comprehension
Competency: 3.07 – Participate in collaborative practice
Rationale:
C is correct because effective collaboration requires sharing knowledge to improve care.
A and D isolate the provider.
B limits proactive care.
Q14. A client working with a physiotherapist, nurse, and dietitian is struggling to manage multiple appointments. What should the team do?
A. Refer the client to a case manager
B. Work separately to reduce confusion
C. Coordinate a shared care plan and streamline appointments
D. Ask the client to prioritize their top provider
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.07 – Participate in collaborative practice
Rationale:
C is correct because collaboration helps reduce burden and supports client-centered care.
A may help but doesn’t replace team coordination.
B increases confusion.
D puts the burden on the client.
Q15 (Case-Based). A multidisciplinary team is developing a discharge plan. The dietitian notices that nutrition goals were not included in the plan. What is the best next step?
A. Add goals to the file after the meeting
B. Ask the client to follow up independently
C. Bring up the omission and suggest integrating nutrition into the plan
D. Assume the physician will handle nutrition follow-up
Correct Answer: C
Cognitive Level: Analyze, Interpret, and Apply Knowledge
Competency: 3.07 – Participate in collaborative practice
Rationale:
C is correct because raising concerns and advocating for holistic care is part of team collaboration.
A excludes team input.
B lacks support.
D abdicates responsibility.