Ch 11 Flashcards
What is the title of the chapter?
Chapter 11 - Therapeutic Communication.
What is communication?
Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of signs, symbols, or behavior.
What is therapeutic communication?
In therapeutic communication, the nurse directs communication towards the patient to identify their current health problem, plan, implement, and evaluate the actions taken. It helps develop mutual understanding and is a corrective emotional experience for the patient.
What are the goals of therapeutic communication?
Establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship. Identify the patient’s most important needs. Assess the patient’s perception of the problem. Facilitate the patient’s expression of thoughts and emotions. Implement interventions to address the patient’s needs. Motivate the patient to use new coping strategies. Improve the patient’s ego strengths. Implement the nursing process effectively.
What are the principles of therapeutic communication?
The patient should be the primary focus of the interaction. Maintain a professional attitude. Use self-disclosure cautiously and only for therapeutic purposes. Avoid social relationships with patients. Maintain patient confidentiality.
What additional principles should be followed in therapeutic communication?
Assess the patient’s intellectual competence to determine their level of understanding. Implement interventions from a theoretical base. Maintain a non-judgmental attitude. Avoid giving advice. Guide the patient to interpret their experiences rationally.
What are some therapeutic communication techniques?
- Listening. 2. Broad opening. 3. Restating. 4. Clarification. 5. Reflection. 6. Humor. 7. Information. 8. Focusing. 9. Sharing perceptions. 10. Sharing empathy. 11. Silence. 12. Sharing observations. 13. Suggesting.
What is the importance of listening in therapeutic communication?
Listening is an active process of receiving information. The nurse conveys understanding through eye contact, nodding, and other nonverbal cues, which helps the patient feel heard and understood.
What is the ‘broad opening’ technique?
Encouraging the patient to select topics for discussion. Example: ‘What are you thinking about?’
What is the ‘restating’ technique?
Repeating the main thought expressed by the patient to increase their awareness of the issue. Example: Patient: ‘My children are going through a financial problem because I am sick.’ Nurse: ‘Your children are going through a financial problem because you are sick.’
What is the ‘clarification’ technique?
Attempting to put vague ideas or unclear thoughts of the patient into words to enhance understanding. Example: Patient: ‘I am very sad today.’ Nurse: ‘You say you are feeling very sad today. Would you elaborate on what is happening?’
What is the ‘reflection’ technique?
Directing back the patient’s ideas, feelings, questions, and content to help them clarify their thoughts. Example: Patient: ‘I am very angry with my wife.’ Nurse: ‘It sounds like you are really angry with your wife.’
How is humor used in therapeutic communication?
Humor is the discharge of energy through comic enjoyment of the imperfect. Example: ‘That gives a whole new meaning to the word nervous,’ said with shared kidding between the nurse and the patient.
What is the ‘information’ technique?
The skill of giving information to the patient. Example: ‘I think you need to know more about your medications.’
What is the ‘focusing’ technique?
Questions or statements that help the patient expand on a topic of importance. Example: ‘I think we should talk more about your relationship with your father.’
What is the ‘sharing perceptions’ technique?
Asking the patient to verify the nurse’s understanding of what the patient is thinking or feeling. Example: ‘You are smiling, but I sense that you are really very angry with me.’
What is the ‘sharing empathy’ technique?
The ability to understand and accept another person’s reality, accurately perceive feelings, and communicate understanding. Example: ‘It must be very frustrating to know what you want and not be able to do it.’
How is silence used in therapeutic communication?
Silence is the lack of verbal communication for a therapeutic reason. Example: Sitting with a patient and nonverbally communicating interest and involvement.
What is the ‘sharing observations’ technique?
Making observations by commenting on how the patient looks, sounds, or acts. Example: ‘You look tired’ or ‘I haven’t seen you eating anything today.’
What is the ‘suggesting’ technique?
Presenting alternative ideas related to problem-solving. It is useful when the patient is ready to explore alternative coping mechanisms. Example: Suggesting new ways to manage stress.
What are some non-therapeutic communication techniques to avoid?
Reassuring. Rejecting. Giving approval. Advising. Defending. Requesting. Belittling the patient’s feelings.
What is the key takeaway from this chapter?
Therapeutic communication is essential in nursing to build trust, understand patient needs, and provide effective care. Nurses should use therapeutic techniques and avoid non-therapeutic behaviors.
