Communication Enhancers & Blockers

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of 'Silence' in communication?

Communication Blocker: preventing the client from speaking

A way to confuse the client

Communication Enhancer: active listening; nurse responding to verbal and nonverbal behavior (correct)

A technique to ignore client concerns

Which of the following is an example of 'Minimal Cues and Leads'?

Ignoring the client

Changing the subject abruptly

Asking direct questions immediately

Smiling and leaning forward (correct)

What is 'Restatement' in communication?

Paraphrasing or repetition of client's words to encourage them to continue.

What does 'Clarification' involve?

Asking the patient to describe or explain their thoughts to ensure full understanding. Signup and view all the answers

How is 'Reflection' defined in communication?

Mirroring the client's feelings by restating their emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of 'Summarization'?

To review and summarize what the client has said, often towards the end of the session. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Focusing' mean in communication?

Choosing a part of the client’s discussion to redirect their attention to an important issue. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Interpretation' in a communication context?

Providing the client with a new point of view based on the nurse's knowledge. Signup and view all the answers

What defines an 'Indirect Question'?

Asking a question in a less direct manner. Signup and view all the answers

What consists of a 'Direct Question'?

Asking a question using an interrogative form followed by a question mark. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a communication blocker?

Changing the subject Signup and view all the answers

How would you define 'Social Conversation' as a communication blocker?

A conversation starter that might become inappropriate if used excessively. Signup and view all the answers

What are 'Cliches' in communication context?

Generic phrases used when someone doesn't know what else to say. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'Reassuring' as a communication blocker?

Providing false reassurances that negates the client's feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Disapproving/Judging' refer to?

Placing a value judgment on the client's actions or decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Asking Why' indicate as a communication blocker?

It can lead to defensiveness as clients often do not understand their motivations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Bombarding' in communication?

Asking multiple direct questions too quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Defending' mean in communication?

Using responses to protect a position and negate the client's feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of 'Challenging' as a communication blocker?

Denying what the patient has said in a threatening manner. Signup and view all the answers

How is 'Moralizing' defined?

Going beyond criticism to make value judgments on clients' choices. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication Enhancers

Silence: Allows active listening; nurses respond to both verbal and nonverbal cues.
Minimal Cues and Leads: Nonverbal gestures like smiling or body orientation, and verbal prompts such as "Can you tell me more?" encourage client elaboration.
Restatement: Paraphrases client’s statements to promote further conversation; for instance, summarizing feelings by repeating parts of the client’s narrative.
Clarification: Ensures understanding by asking for explanation or elaboration of vague statements.
Reflection: Mirrors the client's emotions by echoing feelings; differentiates from simple restatement through an emotional connection.
Summarization: Concisely reviews main points discussed, often at session's end, to consolidate understanding.
Focusing: Directs conversation towards key issues or themes to maintain clarity; effective in revisiting critical topics.
Interpretation: Offers new perspectives based on the nurse's understanding; should be used cautiously to avoid directing the client's thoughts.
Indirect Question: Encourages discussion without direct questioning, promoting a relaxed dialogue.
Direct Question: Clearly inquires about specifics; enhances information gathering through structured questioning.

Communication Blockers

Changing the Subject: Diverts attention, often resulting from the nurse's discomfort; may help in managing anxiety if used thoughtfully.
Social Conversation: Initiates dialogue and builds rapport but can be excessive and avoidance-centric regarding serious topics.
Using Cliches: Indicates discomfort with silence; lacks depth and may invalidate the client's feelings.
Reassuring: Offering false hope hinders authentic understanding; however, appropriate reassurance can be supportive.
Disapproving/Judging: Imposes moral judgments on client choices; detrimental to trust and therapeutic alliance.
Asking Why: Can prompt defensiveness and confusion; better to use open-ended queries to explore motivations.
Bombarding: Presents multiple questions in quick succession, overwhelming the client and stifling open conversation.
Defending: Protects a stance at the expense of recognizing the client's feelings; can invalidate their experiences.
Challenging: Confronts client statements in a dismissive manner; can escalate defensiveness rather than facilitate dialogue.
Moralizing: Goes beyond advising, labeling behaviors negatively; undermines the client’s dignity and autonomy.

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Description

Explore key concepts of communication enhancers and blockers with these flashcards. Learn about silence, minimal cues, leads, and restatement techniques to improve your communication skills. Ideal for healthcare professionals and anyone looking to enhance their interpersonal interactions.