Chapter 4 Communication Challenges

Question 1

Hearing Loss - observe/report - 6

Answer 1

Trouble with high pitch, “s” and “t”
Trouble with what is said in noisy background
Not understanding meaning of words
Unable to hear people in another room
One ear over another, ringing or pain in one or both
Avoids movies or special events due to not understanding dialog

Question 2

Hearing impairment guidelines - 9

Answer 2

Get residents attention before speaking
Make sure they see your face, look directly at, no gum or mouth cover
Make sure hearing aid is on, battery works
Turn off radio/tv, distractions
Speak clearly, lower pitch of voice, simple words

Question 3

Defense mechanisms for handling stress - 6

Answer 3

Denial
Displacement - transferring strong feeling to less threatening object
Projection - seeing feelings in others that are actually their own
Rationalization - Excuses to justify
Repression - Block painful events/feelings from mind
Regression - going back to behavior from past for comfort

Question 4

Guidelines for anxiety and fear - 5

Answer 4

Speak softly, slowly, calmly
Listen to resident, ask gently questions to get to cause
Be empathetic
Avoid demanding behavior
Reassure resident he is safe.

Question 5

Guidelines for angry - 7

Answer 5

Be pleasant, try to find out what caused the anger
Watch body language
Think before you speak
Do not argue
Treat with dignity and respect
If anger increases, get the nurse
Try to involve resident in activities, such as taking a walk, music

Question 6

Guidelines for combative - 5

Answer 6

Get help immediately, but do not leave the resident
Keep others at safe distance, do not allow others to get hurt
Be calm and reassuring
Do not respond to insults
When anger passes, sit with resident for a while to comfort

Question 7

Disorientation - 3

Answer 7

Confusion about person, place, or time

Question 8

Guidelines for disorientation or confusion - 6

Answer 8

Do not leave alone
Stay calm, speak in lower tone, clearly, slowly
Introduce yourself each time you see resident
Repeat directions
Be patient
Listen closely to resident

Question 9

Communication guidelines for visually impaired - 11

Answer 9

Announce and greet resident
Look at resident entire time
Do not shout
Face of imaginary clock
Make sure resident has their glasses
Do not move personal items or furniture without resident permission
Put everything back where you found it
Read menus.  Get large type menus.
Encourage resident to use other senses
Announce leaving.
Helpful items - book on tape or CD, large type papers and clocks