Communication in Nursing

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Questions and Answers

What should you avoid doing when communicating with a hearing-impaired person?

Speaking at a normal volume

Getting the patient’s attention before speaking

Talking while facing the patient

Chewing gum while speaking (correct)

When communicating with a visually impaired person, which practice is crucial?

Keeping communication brief and dismissive

Using bright, direct lighting

Relying on nonverbal gestures

Identifying yourself upon entering the room (correct)

How should you approach a person with Alzheimer's disease during communication?

Using loud, exaggerated speech

From the front within their line of vision (correct)

Approaching from the side without warning

From behind to maintain a sense of surprise

What should you do if a hearing-impaired person misunderstands what you said?

Rephrase your statement Signup and view all the answers

What is an important consideration when speaking to a person who uses glasses or contact lenses?

Check if they are wearing their glasses or contacts Signup and view all the answers

What does silence between two people primarily indicate?

Complete understanding Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a barrier to communication?

Clear articulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common fear that may hinder communication with older adults?

Fear of missing something Signup and view all the answers

Which technique should be avoided when communicating with older adults?

Shouting Signup and view all the answers

In active and effective listening, what does the listener need to do?

Sort out and validate clues Signup and view all the answers

What is an effective way to facilitate communication with older adults?

Speak a little more slowly Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if a patient uses hearing aids?

Check their adaptive equipment Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be attentive to the environment when communicating?

To reduce background noise Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of communication in nursing interactions?

To exchange information and generate meanings Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the communication process?

Patient's financial history Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of meaningful communication contributes to healthy aging among older adults?

Enhancing social interaction and involvement Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following verbal communication guidelines is recommended for effectively communicating with older adults?

Minimize background noise during conversations Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect to consider when using non-verbal communication?

Understanding body language and hidden meanings Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to avoid using long and complicated instructions when communicating with older adults?

They may struggle to comprehend complex information Signup and view all the answers

How does verbal communication primarily differ from non-verbal communication?

Verbal communication uses words while non-verbal does not Signup and view all the answers

What role does feedback play in the communication process?

It ensures that the message has been understood correctly Signup and view all the answers

What does good eye contact typically suggest in communication?

A willingness to listen and keep communication open Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a form of nonverbal communication?

Spoken language Signup and view all the answers

How can gestures facilitate communication between individuals speaking different languages?

By conveying numerous messages through body parts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about facial expressions is true?

Facial expressions can convey a range of emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What does a person's gait indicate in nonverbal communication?

Potential pain or physical limitations Signup and view all the answers

What message can general physical appearance convey in a healthcare setting?

Alterations can indicate illness or response to therapy. Signup and view all the answers

What role does touch play in nonverbal communication?

It is one of the most effective ways to express various emotions. Signup and view all the answers

How does posture function in nonverbal communication?

It can show pain or physical limitations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communication

Is the process of exchanging information and generating and transmitting meanings between individuals.
Is the basis of society and the most essential part of nurse-patient interactions.
The ability to communicate is fundamental to human functioning and well-being

Communication process

Includes following components:
- Stimulus
- Source (encoder)
- Message
- Channel of Communication
- Receiver (decoder)
- Feedback

Meaningful Communication & Active Involvement In Society

Contributes to healthy aging
Improves older adults' chances of:
- Living longer
- Responding better to health care interventions
- Maintaining optimal function

Forms of Communication

Verbal
- Exchange of information using spoken or written words
- Relies on language
- Language helps nurses assess the patient's understanding and feelings
- Nurses use language extensively when providing care
- Examples include writing care plans, giving oral reports, public speaking, and writing for publication
Non-verbal
- Transmission of information without using words.
- Often termed as body language
- Helps nurses understand subtle and hidden meanings of what is said verbally.
- Nurses must be aware of both the nonverbal and verbal communication they send and receive from patients.

Verbal Communication Guidelines

Do not yell or speak too loudly
Communicate at eye level
Minimize background noise
Monitor patient’s reaction
Use touch as appropriate
Supplement verbal instruction with written instructions
Use positive terms
Avoid using medical jargon.
Avoid long, complicated instructions.
Determine how the patient would like to be addressed.
Use caring responses and listening.
Encourage reminiscing.

Forms of Nonverbal Communication

Touch
- A personal behavior and means different things to different people.
- One of the most effective nonverbal ways to express feelings of comfort, love, affection, security, anger, frustration, aggression and excitement.
Eye Contact
- Communication begins with eye contact.
- Suggests willingness to listen and to keep communication open.
Facial Expressions
- The face is the most expressive part of the body.
- Conveys anger, sadness, fear, and contempt.
- Nurses need to learn to control their own facial expressions.
Posture
- The way a person holds the body.
- Good alignment vs slouch.
- Indicates pain or physical limitations.
Gait
- Manner of walking/ way of walking.
- Bouncy purposeful walking vs shuffling gait.
- Certain gaits are associated with diseases.
Gestures
- Use of body parts can carry numerous messages.
- Signifies when two people speaking in different languages attempt to communicate.
General Physical Appearance
- Most illnesses cause alterations in general appearance.
- Observing helps detect illness or evaluate the effectiveness of therapy.
Modes of Dress and Grooming
- Carry significant nonverbal messages.
- Little interest vs detailed interests on grooming.
Sounds
- Crying, moaning, gasping, and sighing are oral but nonverbal forms of communication.
Silence
- Silence between two people might indicate complete understanding to each other, individuals are thinking, or might mean anger to each other.

Barriers to Communication

Failure to Perceive the Patient as a Human Being
Failure to Listen
Changing the Subject
Giving False Assurance
Gossip and Rumor
Inappropriate reassurances
Making judgments
Giving advice, telling the person what should be avoided
Challenging
Improper questioning
Fear of one’s own aging
Fear of showing emotion
Fear of missing something
Fear of being called on to rectify every problem
Lack of knowledge of patient’s culture, goals, and values.
Unresolved issues with aging relatives in own family
Feelings that professional distance must be maintained.
Being overworked, or overscheduled.

Active and Effective Listening

Listening is a skill that involves both hearing and interpreting what the other says.
It requires attention and concentration to sort out, evaluate, and validate clues to better understand the TRUE meaning of what is being said.

Improved Communication with Older Adults

Make sure the patient knows that you are talking.
Face the patient, be sure that your mouth or face is visible to him/her.
Speak clearly but do not exaggerate lip movement.
DO NOT SHOUT.
Speak a little more slowly.
Check if the patient uses hearing aids, glasses, or other adaptive equipment.
Give the patient chance to ask questions.
Keep communication short and to the point. Ask one question at a time.
Be aware of the person's health issues.
Allow the elderly person to reminisce and to grieve.
Respect the elderly person’s background, knowledge, and values.
Be attentive to the environment in which you are communicating.
Speak clearly and articulately, and make eye contact.
Adjust your volume appropriately.
Use clear and precise questions and sentences.
Employ visual aids, if possible.
Take it slow, be patient, and smile.

Communicating with Persons Who Are Hearing Impaired

Check for hearing aids and glasses.
Reduce environmental noise.
Get the patient’s attention before speaking.
Face patient with mouth visible.
Do not chew gum.
Speak at normal volume- DO NOT SHOUT
Rephrase rather than repeat if misunderstood.
Keep your hands away from your face while talking.

Communicating with Persons Who Are Visually Impaired

Check for use of glasses or contact lenses.
Identify yourself when you enter a room and notify patients when leaving the room.
Do not rely on gestures or nonverbal communication.
Use at least 14-point print.
Use indirect lighting, avoiding glare.
Allow the person to take your arm for guidance.
Ask how you may help: increasing the light, reading the menu, describing where things are, or in some other way.
Call out the person’s name before touching.

Communicating with Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease

Always approach the person from the front, or within his/her line of vision.
Speak in a normal tone of voice.
Face the person as you talk to him/her.
Avoid settings with a lot of sensory stimulation, like a large room where many people are talking, a high-traffic area, or a very noisy place.

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Description

This quiz explores the essential role of communication in nursing, covering the communication process, its components, and its impact on patient care. It emphasizes the importance of meaningful communication for older adults and how it contributes to their well-being and health outcomes.