ATI Ch 3, Effective Communication Flashcards
What is intrapersonal communication?
Communication that occurs within an individual, also identified as ‘self-talk’
It involves internal discussions during thought processes and is important for self-assessment in nursing.
How does intrapersonal communication benefit nurses?
It allows nurses to perform a self-assessment of their values or beliefs prior to caring for clients
This is crucial when clients’ diagnoses may trigger emotional responses.
Define interpersonal communication.
Communication that occurs one-on-one with another individual
In nursing, it is used to obtain psychosocial histories or listen to clients’ feelings.
What is small-group communication?
Communication that occurs between two or more people in a small group
In nursing, it is used to discuss client behavior changes or concerns during group therapy sessions.
Describe public communication in nursing.
Communication that occurs within large groups of people
This often involves teaching large groups, such as discussing suicide prevention in school assemblies.
Fill in the blank: Intrapersonal communication is also known as _______.
‘self-talk’
This refers to the internal dialogue that helps in self-reflection.
True or False: Interpersonal communication is used primarily for group discussions.
False
It specifically involves one-on-one interactions.
List the four basic levels of communication.
- Intrapersonal communication
- Interpersonal communication
- Small-group communication
- Public communication
Each level serves different purposes in nursing and healthcare.
What is verbal communication?
The words that are used to communicate either a written or a spoken message.
How can limited vocabulary affect communication in nursing?
It can make it difficult for the nurse to communicate with the client.
What is the significance of denotative/connotative meaning in communication?
Participants must share meanings to avoid miscommunication.
What is the principle of clarity/brevity in communication?
The shortest, simplest communication is usually most effective.
Why is timing/relevance important in communication?
Knowing when to communicate allows the receiver to be more attentive to the message.
How can pacing affect communication?
The rate of speech can communicate a meaning to the receiver.
What does intonation refer to in verbal communication?
The tone of voice can communicate a variety of feelings.
What is nonverbal communication?
Communication that is not expressed in words, which can have more impact than verbal words.
How does culture impact nonverbal communication?
Culture impacts the interpretation of nonverbal cues.
What should a nurse assess in a client’s nonverbal communication?
The meaning being conveyed through behaviors.
List key nonverbal behaviors a nurse should observe.
- Appearance
- Posture
- Gait
- Facial expressions
- Eye contact
- Gestures
- Sounds
- Territoriality
- Personal space
- Silence
What are some examples of affect in nonverbal communication?
- Frowning
- Lack of expression
- Grimacing
- Pursed lips
- Raised or lowered eyebrows
- Biting, licking, or smacking lips
- Nose scrunching
What are signs of incongruent appearance in nonverbal communication?
- Sudden disrobing
- Clothing incongruent to current temperature
- Disheveled grooming
What autonomic responses might indicate emotional distress?
- Visible brow or palm perspiration
- Pupil dilation
- Facial flushing or paleness
- Increased respirations
What body behaviors can indicate emotional states?
- Gait
- Posture
- Hand clenching
- Rocking
- Psychomotor agitation
What eye movements might suggest suspicion or anxiety?
- Suspicious
- Squinting
- Open with minimal blinking
What is therapeutic communication?
The purposeful use of communication to build and maintain helping relationships with clients, families, and significant others.
Why is therapeutic communication essential in mental health care?
It addresses the emotional and physical effects of mental health disorders on clients.
What are the key purposes of therapeutic communication by nurses?
- Elicit and attend to the client’s thoughts, feelings, concerns, and needs.
- Express empathy and genuine concern.
- Obtain information and give feedback about the client’s condition.
- Intervene to promote functional behavior and effective interpersonal relationships.
- Evaluate the client’s progress toward goals and outcomes.
Which populations may require adapted techniques for communication?
Children and older adults.
What does effective use of the nursing process depend on?
Therapeutic communication between the nurse, the client, the client’s family, and the interprofessional team.
What is a characteristic of therapeutic communication?
Client-centered: not social or reciprocal.
What are the essential components of therapeutic communication?
- Time
- Attending behaviors or active listening
- Caring attitude
- Honesty
- Trust
- Empathy
- Nonjudgmental attitude
How should time be managed in therapeutic communication?
Plan for and allow adequate time to communicate.
What are attending behaviors or active listening?
Nonverbal means of conveying interest in another.
What does eye contact typically convey in therapeutic communication?
Interest and respect, although it varies by situation and culture.
How can body language and posture affect communication?
They can demonstrate level of comfort and ease.
What role does vocal quality play in therapeutic communication?
It enhances rapport and emphasizes particular topics or issues.
What is verbal tracking?
Providing feedback by restating or summarizing a client’s statements.
What is the importance of showing a caring attitude?
It shows concern and facilitates an emotional connection with the client and their family.
What does honesty in therapeutic communication entail?
Being open, direct, truthful, and sincere.
Define trust in the context of therapeutic communication.
Demonstrating reliability without doubt or question.
What is empathy in therapeutic communication?
Conveying an objective awareness and understanding of the feelings, emotions, and behaviors of others.
What does a nonjudgmental attitude encourage?
Open, honest communication.