Communication Concepts Overview

Communication

• Communication is the process of exchanging messages.
• Types of Communication:
  • Intrapersonal: Self-talk.
  • Interpersonal: Between two or more people.
  • Group: Small groups, organizational communication, and group dynamics.
• Forms of Communication:
  • Verbal (35%): Language.
  • Nonverbal (65%): Body language (touch, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, gait, gestures, physical appearance, dress, grooming, sounds, silence).
• SBAR Communication: A standardized technique for accurate and complete patient information exchange to physicians.
  • Situation: Current patient problem.
  • Background: Patient's medical history.
  • Assessment: Nurse's evaluation.
  • Recommendation: Suggestions for physician action.
• Barriers to Communication:
  • Poor listening.
  • Non-therapeutic comments/questions ("Don't worry").
  • Closed-ended questions ("Do you...?").
  • Leading/probing questions.
  • Judgmental comments.
  • Changing the subject.
  • False reassurance.
• Effective Communication Techniques:
  • Open-ended questions ("Tell me about...?").
  • Closed-ended questions ("Do you...?").
  • Validating questions ("What I heard was...?").
  • Clarifying questions ("Could you explain...?").
  • Reflective questions ("Repeating back...").
  • Sequencing questions ("When did...?").
  • Directing questions.

Documentation, Informatics, and Legal Implications

• Nurse Practice Act: Governs nursing practice.
• Torts (Wrongful Acts):
  • Intentional: Assault (threat), Battery (contact), Defamation (character damage), Invasion of privacy, False imprisonment, Fraud.
  • Unintentional: Negligence (below standard of care), Malpractice (failure to carry out duty).
• HIPAA/Confidentiality: Patient information is confidential.
  • Breaches: Discussing patient info publicly, interacting with family without authorization, improper use of recording devices, unauthorized access, inappropriate use in school/social media.
• Four Elements of Malpractice Liability:
  • Duty: Obligation to provide adequate care.
  • Breach of Duty: Failure to meet the standard of care.
  • Causation: Link between the breach and harm.
  • Damages: The harm sustained by the patient.
• Informed Consent: Disclosure, comprehension, competence, voluntariness.
• Incident Reports: Documentation of harm to patients, employees, or visitors. Risk Management identifies risks, high-risk situations, and implements preventive measures.
• Patient Records:
  • Purpose: Communication, orders, care planning, quality improvement, research, education, reimbursement, legal documentation, electronic medical records (uniform database).
  • Security: Never share passwords, keep computers secure.
• Nursing Handoffs

Teaching and Counseling

• Nurse as a teacher.
• Factors affecting patient learning
• Health Literacy: The Ask Me 3 Campaign.
• Learning domains: Cognitive, affective, psychomotor.
• Culturally sensitive education.
• Teaching strategies.
• Effective patient teaching.
• Evaluating learning.

Middle and Older Adulthood

• Physiological Changes (Aging):
  • Integumentary: Wrinkles, drier skin, thinning hair.
  • Cardiopulmonary: Edema, plaque buildup, less efficient secretion clearance.
  • Gastrointestinal: Malnutrition, constipation, decreased peristalsis, dry mouth.
  • Musculoskeletal: Muscle loss, joint stiffness, decreased mobility, bone demineralization.
  • Neurological: Slower responses, reflexes, sensation decline.

This quiz covers key concepts of communication, including types and forms such as intrapersonal, interpersonal, and group communication. It also explores the SBAR communication technique, which is essential for effective patient information exchange in healthcare settings. Additionally, the quiz addresses various barriers to communication that can hinder effective interactions.