Chapter 3: Communication and Thinking Skills Flashcards
What is Communication?
A 2-way process in which the sender and receiver understand the message in the same way.
What are Non-Verbal Communications?
Eye Contact, Facial Expressions, Body Language, Gestures, Postures, Tone of Voice, and Touch.
Can Verbal and Nonverbal messages relay the same thing?
No, they can contradict each other. You may verbally say one thing, but your nonverbal communications may say something else.
What are effective verbal communication guidelines?
Prepare yourself before you speak.
Analyze the intent of each message.
Adapt to physical settings when communicating.
Adequately brief the patient
Consider tone of voice, how fast you talk, and body language.
Ask questions to ensure the other person understands what you are saying.
What are the two types of communication?
Social Communication and Supportive Communication
What is Social Communication?
Polite or friendly exchange of factual or social information.
This helps to establish a relationship with patients and helps lead to supportive communication.
What is Supportive Communication?
This is more goal oriented. This helps the patient to discuss how they feel and where they can share any problem or concern.
What kinds of emotions does supportive communication help to relive?
It can help the patient relieve anger, anxiety, or frustration. This helps you to learn about any needs that are unmet for your patient.
What are some examples of Effective Communication?
Listening, Observing, Repeating, Gathering Information, Summarizing, Accepting, Touching, Clarifying, Maintaining Silence, and Responding Appropriately.
What are Common Communication Barriers?
Talking to fast
Using Slang, Medical Vocabulary, or broad generalizations
Talking Down
Speaking hostilely or in an insulting tone
Labeling patients
Lack of common language
Who prevents a conversation from starting or continuing.
The Listener
Why would a patient cut off communication?
If they feel embarrassed, threatened, or distrustful.
What are some negative communication traits?
Judgmental Responses
Arguing
Solving
Interrupting
Distractions
Changing the Subject
False Assurances
Untruthfulness
Evasion
Avoidance
False Reassurance
What states can affect communication?
Physical and Emotional
How do you talk to someone who has hearing impairments?
Face them directly and if possible on the same level
Use facial expressions, gestures, and touch to enhance communication.
Lower your tone of voice
Reduce Background Noises
Get the patient’s attention before speaking
Always talk to them when you are in the same room, never talk from a different room.
Write things down.
How do you communicate with someone who has a vision impairment?
Promote patient independence.
Guide them by having them hold onto your arm.
When approaching them, always say hello.
Always tell them when you’re leaving and when you will return.
Use touch and voice to communicate.
How do you communicate with someone who has a speech impairment?
Stand where they can see you.
Speak in a normal tone slowly and clearly.
Use common vocabulary in short simple sentences.
Give requests or directions in a simple manner, repeat when necessary.
Use simple gestures for clarification.
Be patient and give them time to speak.
Do not trat them as children.
What is confusion?
The result of memory loss or an illness. Can be short term or long term.
How do you communicate with someone who has confusion?
Use simple and direct language.
Only ask one question at a time - allow plenty of time for them to answer your question.
Use reality sensory stimulation by identifying what is happening around them and clarifying who they are.
Talk face to face.
Keep environment calm.
Use supportive communication.
How do you communicate with someone who has Mental Challenges?
Communicate in a quiet or private area.
Be patient, flexible, and supportive.
Speak to them at their mental age and not their physical age.
Do not mimic the patient.
Create a triad communication.
What is a triad communication?
The sonographer, patient, and a family member/ or interpreter.
What is professional communication?
Interviewing patients and instructing their families.
Reporting Sonographic findings
Participating in team conferences, grand rounds, training, and departmental meetings.
Recording Information in daily logs, charts, and files.
Accessing patient charts
Contacting referring physicians
Scheduling patients
Never offer a clinical diagnosis.
What are examples of Sonographer reports?
Measurements
Comments on echogenicity
Locations of normal and abnormal structures
Any unusual patient positions
Scanning planes
Instrumentation changes required to complete exam.
Any technical or patient difficulties during exam.
DO NOT REPORT DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS.
How do you help patients deal with bad news?
By following the 5 stages of grief.
