Chapter 6; special circumstances that affect communication

Question 1

What are some special circumstances that affect communication?

Answer 1

language barriers
the hearing impaired
deafness
impaired vision
inability to speak
impaired mental function
altered states of consciousness (sedated patients)

Question 2

True or false:
Does federal law guarantee patients the right to effective communications

Answer 2

TRUE

Question 3

How do hospitals accommodate people who speak a language other than english?

Answer 3

They hire interpreters and they provide signs in several languages

Question 4

What is wrong with the use of family members as interpreters often problematic?

Answer 4

family members tend to edit the conversation and it can create miscommunication

Question 5

When using an interpreter, who should you look at when speaking?

Answer 5

the patient. You want to make them feel included versus making them feel excluded from the conversation

Question 6

What are some useful tips for communication with individuals who have hearing loss?

Answer 6

Talk to, not about, these persons.

speak clearly at a moderate pace, and do not shout

avoid noisy background situations

rephrase when you are not understood

be patient

Question 7

What are some methods you can use to help guide someone with impaired vision?

Answer 7

Ask what assistance is needed.
- some will prefer to touch your elbow as a guide
-others will prefer a description of the surroundings

Question 8

What is aphasia?

Answer 8

a defect or loss of language function in which comprehension or expression of words is impaired because of injury to language centers in the brain

Question 9

Whats a helpful way to help you care for a patient with the inability to speak?

Answer 9

its helpful to ask nursing staff about useful methods of communication.

Some can write; others will nod to indicate understanding

Question 10

Patients with altered states of consciousness

Answer 10

it is important to communicate as if the patient can hear and respond

Question 11

How much observation is required with a patient in an altered state of consciousness?

Answer 11

you need to observe them constantly in order to avoid accidents

do not rely on patients to remember instructions

patients are not responsible for their actions/answers

Question 12

Age specific communication:

what age range falls under the neonate and infant category?

Answer 12

birth to 1 years

Question 13

Age specific communication:
What age range falls under the toddler category?

Answer 13

1-2 years

Question 14

Age specific communication
what age range would a preschooler fall in?

Answer 14

3-5 years

Question 15

Age specific communication
what age range is considered school age?

Answer 15

6-12 years

Question 16

Age specific communication
what age range is considered adolescent?

Answer 16

13-18 years

Question 17

Age specific communication
what age range is considered a young adult?

Answer 17

19-45 years

Question 18

Age specific communication
what age range is considered a middle adult?

Answer 18

46-64 years

Question 19

Age specific communication
what age range is considered a late adult?

Answer 19

65-79 years

Question 20

Age specific communication
what age range is considered a late adult?

Answer 20

80 years and older

Question 21

What are the 3 key points to remember of age-specific communication?

Answer 21

learn and practice age specific communication skills

avoid stereotypes

Ageism is a discriminatory attitude toward the elderly that includes a belief that all elderly are ill, disabled, worthless, or unattractive

Question 22

What are some opportunities for patient teaching?

Answer 22

during the explanation of procedure

while responding to patient concerns

as apart of instructions needed to prepare for a procedure

during instruction for follow up care