Communication

Question 1

What are the phases of therapeutic communication?

Answer 1

1. Pre-informative phase; patient plans to go to hospital
2. Introduction; introductions to each other, first impressions
3. working phase; working together to identify condition
4. termination phase; effectiveness of process reviewed

Question 2

What is the importance of communication in nursing?

Answer 2

Can make or break a nursing-patient relationship

Question 3

Differentiate therapeutic from non-therapeutic communication.

Answer 3

Therapeutic communication is planned, has structure, is constructive, offers support
Non-therapeutic does not try to achieve change in behavior and is not supportive, planned, or with a structure

Question 4

State the various techniques that encourage effective communication.

Answer 4

1. Attentive listening; shows you are concerned
2. Open-ended questions; more information given, but not effective when topic is difficult
3. Reflecting; restating phrases encourages patient to continue
4. Clarifying; helps patient know you understand and if you are on the same page
5. Paraphrasing; helps them explain what they’re trying to say
6. Perception-checking; ask if your perception is correct so you don’t put words in their mouth
7. Focusing; steering conversation to the point
8. Supportive statements; encourage
9. Silence; give patient time to fill the gap

Question 5

Explain the active listening techniques.

Answer 5

*SOLER 
Sit squarely and face patient 
Open posture to make them comfortable
Lean forward slightly 
Eye-contact 
Stay Relaxed/Calm

Question 6

What factors can interfere with effective communication?

Answer 6

intellectual level 
physical factors (speech defects, pain, fatigue) 
emotional factors (esp. during emergencies) 
social factors (cultural background differences) 
environmental factors (noise)

Question 7

What are the aspects of a good nurse-patient relationship?

Answer 7

Trust;
Respect; respect cultural differences, makes patient more comfortable around you, helps patient with self-respect
Empathy; showing empathy shows you understand patient feelings
Genuine interest; call patient by name, keep eye contact, makes you approachable, active listening

Question 8

What is transference?

Answer 8

When client unconsciously redirects their emotions from past interactions with others to the counselor