12 Questions
What is the primary goal of therapeutic communication?
To encourage wellness and personal growth
What is the purpose of the orientation phase in therapeutic communication?
To learn about the client and their concerns or needs
What is the primary difference between verbal and non-verbal communication?
Non-verbal communication does not involve the use of words
What is the role of the nurse in the working phase of therapeutic communication?
To reduce the client's anxiety through a non-judgmental approach
What is the primary barrier to effective communication in therapeutic communication?
Defensiveness on the part of the nurse
What is the key component of effective communication that involves understanding and sharing the feelings of the client?
Empathy
What is a primary consequence of extreme anxiety on a client's cognitive abilities?
Impaired comprehension, attention, and problem-solving skills
A nurse is dealing with a client who is experiencing panic-level anxiety. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
Decrease the environmental stimuli
What is the primary goal of de-escalation when dealing with an angry client?
To minimize potentially violent outbursts
A nurse is working with a depressed client. What is an essential aspect of building a therapeutic relationship with this client?
Accepting the client as they are
What is a characteristic of a client experiencing moderate anxiety?
Selective inattention
Why is the nurse often the target of a client's anger?
Because of the nurse's frequent contact with the client
Study Notes
Communication Skills
- Communication is an interaction between two or more persons that involves the exchange of information between a sender and a receiver.
- It involves the expression of emotions, ideas, and thoughts through verbal and non-verbal signals.
Key Terms
- Active listening
- Cadence (Rate or pace)
- Clarifying
- Comforting
- De-escalation
- Empathy
- Interviewing
- Orientation phase
- Paraphrasing
- Reflecting
- Restating
- Summarizing
- Termination phase
- Therapeutic silence
- Working phase
Therapeutic Communication
- An application of the communication process to promote the well-being of the client.
Verbal Communication
- Includes spoken and written word
- Factors affecting verbal communication: tone, volume, cadence, cultural differences, jargon, slang
- Considerations: cognitive impairments, visual impairments, developmental stage
Nonverbal Communication
- All behaviors that express messages without the use of words
- Includes: body movement, physical appearance, personal space, touch, body language
- Should be consistent with spoken word
- Cultural considerations
Key Components of Effective Communication
- Self-awareness
- Empathy
- Genuineness
- Respect for the client
- Establishing the Nurse-Client Relationship
- Goal: to encourage wellness and personal growth
Essential Skills
- Active listening
- Clarifying
- Paraphrasing
- Reflecting
- Comforting
- Focusing
- Restating
- Summarizing
- Genuineness
- Informing
- Suggesting
- Therapeutic silence
- Open-ended statements and questions
- Interviewing
Barriers to Effective Communication
- Offering your opinion
- Giving false reassurance
- Defensiveness
- Showing approval or disapproval
- Stereotyping
- "Why"
Phases of Communication
- Orientation Phase: learn about the client, establish goals, clarify misunderstandings, establish rapport
- Working Phase: client and nurse work toward reaching set goals
- Termination Phase: examine and evaluate the relationship, review goals and results, say good-bye
Variables Influencing Communication
- Culture, experience, coping ability, and psychopathology of the client
- Culture, experience, knowledge of psychopathology, and guidance skills of the nurse
The Anxious Client
- Anxiety can be the result of many different factors
- Can interfere with communication and care
- Stages of anxiety:
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
- Panic
Interventions for Anxiety
- Recognize your anxiety level
- Be aware of nonverbal cues and body language
- Decrease environmental stimuli
- Provide brief, simple instructions
- Use active listening skills
- Assist the client with effective coping mechanisms
The Angry Client
- Anger is a common underlying factor associated with violent potential
- Interventions:
- De-escalation strategy
- Maintain an open exit
- Use slow and deliberate gestures
- Decrease environmental stimuli
- Set limits to provide structure
- Maintain personal space
- Maintain a non-threatening position with a body stance
The Depressed Client
- Depression—a common condition that affects a person’s ability to function
- Symptoms: apathy, sadness, fatigue, guilt, poor concentration, sleep disturbances, and suicidal thoughts
- Interventions:
- Accept client as they are
- Be honest and empathic
- Use appropriate nonverbal behaviors
- Use open-ended questions
- Reward decision making and independent actions
- Provide comfort measures
- Spend time with the client
Test your understanding of communication skills, including the definition of communication, active listening, and key terms such as empathy, paraphrasing, and summarizing. This quiz covers the basics of effective communication and is essential for anyone looking to improve their interpersonal skills.
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