Communication Flashcards
Analyze the concept of communication in the role of nursing
What is the definition of communication?
Any means of exchange of information, feelings, between two or more individuals.
What must nurses be proficient in to be efficient in their interactions?
Verbal and written communication skille, awareness of body language, computer and electronic communication skills.
What is the intent of any communication?
To illicit a response.
What are the two main purposes of communication?
- To influence others to respond,
2. To obtain information.
What is the difference between positive (effective) and negative (ineffective) comminication?
Positive communication encourages the sharing of thoughts and feelings between two or more individuals.
Negative communication hinders or blocks the transfer of information or feelings.
What are the two modes of communication?
Verbal and Nonverbal
What considerations need to be taken with the verbal mode of communication?
Pace and intonation: how fast you talk to someone, and your tone
Simplicity:
Clarity and brevity: saying precisely what is meant, don’t beat around the bush; say what you need to say
Timing and relevance: if timing is off message can be meaningless. Ask questions one at a time
Adaptability: see what’s going on with the patient before talking to them
Credibility: is it true and trustworthy? Say what you mean, mean what you say.
Humor: use with care, can be appropriate and can reduce stress.
What considerations need to be taken with the nonverbal mode of communication?
Body Language: gestures, movements, use of touch. Communicates more of the message than verbal. Essential skills: observation, interpretation. Personal appearance, posture and gait, facial expression, gestures. How you carry yourself!
Cultural component: take into consideration that different cultures have different “norms”. Some cultures think eye contact is disrespectful
Nonverbal patients: can still communicate, happens often, avoid handouts, use communication devices.
True or False:
Verbal communication can be spoken or written.
TRUE
What is the order of the communication process?
Sender sends message using selection of specific signs or symbols to transmit the messages to receiver, who must listen, observe and attend to the message to interpret the meaning or intention to provide a response, or feedback.
This process is continuous, the receiver will become the sender to respond to the message.
Define the term Sender, or Source Encoder
an individual or group who wishes to convey a message to another
*This term suggests that the person or group sending the message must have an idea or reason for communicating (source) and must put the idea or reason into a form that can be transmitted. Encoding involves the selection of specific signs or symbols to transmit the message (ex: if the receiver speaks English then the sender will usually select English words)
Define the term Message
the words actually spoken or written, the body language that accompanies the words, and how the words are transmitted.
*The medium used to convey they message is the channel. Taking face to face with an individual may be more effective than telephoning or writing a message. Written communication is often appropriate for long explanations or for a communication that needs to be preserved.
Define the term Receiver, or Decoder
is the listener, who must listen observe, and attend. This person is the decoder, who must perceive what the sender intended (interpretation).
*Perception entails using all the senses to receive verbal and nonverbal messages
Define the term Response, or Feedback
is the message that the receiver returns to the sender. It is also called feedback. A response can either be verbal, nonverbal, or both.
*A nod of the head or a yawn is an example of a nonverbal response. feedback always the sender to validate that the intended message has been received and correctly understood, and if not, then it provides the sender an opportunity to correct or reward a message.
What are developmental factors that influence communication?
language and communication skills develop through stages. Communication techniques vary with stage:
Infants and toddlers: use touch
Older children: pictures as adjunct to words
Adolescents and adults: verbal communication
Older adults: adjust methods to physical changes of aging (poor vision or hearing)
What gender factors can influence communication?
Females and males communicate differently from early ages
Boys establish independence, negotiate status
Girls seek confirmation, intimacy
What are the three sociocultural factors that can influence communication?
Culture beliefs
Education
Economic level
How can Values and Perceptions affect communication?
Values: standards that influence behavior
Perceptions: personal views of an event
-unique personality traits, values, experiences affect perception
-validate or correct perceptions as needed
Define the term Personal Space and the different levels
distance people prefer in interactions with others
intimate→ frequently used by nurses (touching to 1.5 feet)
Personal → less overwhelming (1.5 feet to 4 feet)
Social → increased eye contact. Out of reach for touch (4 feet to 12 feet)
Public → (12-15 feet)
What level of personal space is most often used by nurses?
Intimate
How does Territoriality factor into communication?
defined as space and things individual considers as belonging to self. May be marked off in a visible way; curtains around bed unit/ walls of private room. Removing chair to use at another bed may be seen as invading territory or touching a person’s wheelchair if they are chair bound.
How do Roles and Relationships affect communication?
roles differ (student, instructor, patient, primary care provider, parent or child). Choice of words, sentence structure, message content, body language, and tone of voice vary from role to role. Relationships differ. A nurse communicating with a patient for the first time is different from the nurse that has a previous relationship with the patient.
How can environmental factors interfere with effective communication?
individuals communicate most effectively in comfortable environments. Extreme hot/cold, excessive noises, and poor ventilation can cause distractions. Lack of privacy may interfere with patient’s communication.
How does congruence affect communication?
verbal and nonverbal aspects must match!! Seen by nurse and clients. Incongruence: don’t match. Sender’s true meaning in expressed through body language. sending “mixed signals”
The nurse says to the patient, “I am happy to sit down with you and discuss your concerns about your upcoming procedure”, however he checks his watch every few minutes. What factor that can influence communication is this an example of?
a. Congruence
b. Territoriality
c. Incongruence
d. Personal Space
c. Incongruence
What are the barriers to communication?
Stereotyping: offering generalized and oversimplified beliefs about groups of individuals based on experiences to limited to be valid.
Agreeing and disagreeing: similar to judgmental responses, implying the patient is either right or wrong and that the nurse is in a position to decide this.
Being defensive: attempting to protect and individual or healthcare service from negative comments.
Challenging: giving a response that makes the patient prove their statement or point of view
Probing: asking for information chiefly out of curiosity rather than with the intent to assist the patient.
Testing: asking questions that make the patient admit to something
Rejecting: refusing to discuss certain topics with the patient.
Changing topics: directing the communication into areas of self-interest rather than considering the patient’s concerns
Unwarranted (false) reassurance: using cliches or comforting statements of advice as means to reassure the patient
Passing judgement: giving opinions and approving or disapproving responses, moralizing, or imposing one’s values
Giving advice: telling the patient what to do
Which of the following are consistent with an open posturing?
a. Smile and direct eye contact
b. Slight shift of body position towards individual
c. Using the word “Sir” or “Mom” even when the patient
tells you not to.
d. Sitting down near the bedside
a. Smile and direct eye contact
b. Slight shift of body position towards individual
d. Sitting down near the bedside
An ability to confidently and comfortably express thoughts and feelings while still respecting the legitimate rights of the patient is
a. Non-aggressive communication
b. Unassertive communication
c. Assertive communication
d. Aggressive communication
c. Assertive Communication