Communication and Relational Practice Flashcards
- Understand what is meant by the Communication Process
-This involves a sender encoding a message, which is transmitted through a chosen channel (e.g., spoken words, gestures), received, and then decoded by the receiver.
-Feedback from the receiver completes the cycle, verifying understanding.
-Barriers like noise or misinterpretation can disrupt this process, so clarity is essential.
- Know the difference between Verbal and Non-verbal communication
-Verbal Communication relies on spoken or written words and uses language to share information. It can be structured (such as in formal discussions) or informal. Tone, volume, and clarity in verbal communication affect how a message is received.
-Nonverbal Communication: This includes body language, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, and gestures. Nonverbal cues often reinforce or contradict verbal messages and are vital in expressing empathy, attention, and understanding in nursing.
- Understand the six different things we consider in Verbal communication.
-Vocabulary: Selecting words that are clear and appropriate for the audience’s understanding.
-Denotative and Connotative Meanings: Denotative meanings are the literal meaning of words, while connotative meanings involve personal or emotional meanings. Understanding these nuances can prevent misunderstandings.
-Pacing: Speaking at a controlled speed allows the listener to process information and respond.
-Intonation: The tone conveys emotions and intent, which can either reinforce or undermine the verbal message.
-Clarity and Brevity: Being concise and clear helps avoid confusion and ensures the message is understood.
Timing and Relevance: Effective and impactful communication involves delivering messages at appropriate times and relevant to the patient’s condition or needs.
- Understand the seven different things we consider in Non-Verbal communication.
-Facial Expressions: Conveys emotions like empathy, concern, or attentiveness.
-Eye Contact: Demonstrates attentiveness and respect, while avoiding it can imply distraction or discomfort.
-Posture and Gait: Reflects confidence, attentiveness, or reluctance.
-Gestures: Helps reinforce spoken words but should be culturally appropriate.
-Personal Appearance: Professional appearance fosters credibility and respect.
-Sounds: Sighs, laughs, or cries offer cues to emotions that may not be verbally expressed.
-Personal Space: Maintaining appropriate physical distance respects comfort zones and varies with cultural norms.
- Understand what factors would influence and inhibit communication.
Personal attributes, emotional state, cultural background, language proficiency, physical environment, cognitive ability, and health literacy all impact communication. For example, cognitive impairments or sensory deficits can create communication barriers, and nurses must adjust their approach accordingly.
- What happens when we have ineffective communication?
Miscommunication can lead to confusion, distress, medical errors, decreased patient satisfaction, and compromised patient safety. In nursing, ineffective communication risks incorrect assessments and reduced quality of care.
- What is Active Listening? What are the three main things involved with it?
Active Listening: Involves a conscious effort to hear, understand, and validate what the other person is saying. The main aspects are:
*Attention: Focusing completely on the speaker.
*Non-verbal Cues: Using gestures, nods, and facial expressions to show attentiveness.
*Feedback: Summarizing or asking clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
- Understand what is meant by the SOLER acronym.
*Sit facing the patient to show availability.
*Open posture to invite openness and trust.
*Lean slightly toward the patient, indicating interest.
*Eye contact to establish a connection.
*Relax to help the patient feel comfortable and valued.
- Why is feedback important, and what is the feedback sandwich?
Feedback clarifies misunderstandings and fosters improvement. The feedback sandwich starts with positive feedback, offers constructive criticism, and ends with encouraging remarks, making feedback easier to accept.
- Understand the three levels of communication mentioned in the PowerPoint.
-Intrapersonal: Internal dialogue that influences self-awareness and emotional processing.
-Interpersonal: One-on-one communication, focusing on empathy and understanding.
Group Communication: involves interaction among a few individuals for a shared goal and requires an understanding of group dynamics. Nurses use this in committees, patient support groups, research teams, and care conferences. For effective functioning, members should feel accepted, share openly, listen actively, and consider different perspectives.
- Understand how you would adjust your behavior when communicating with children, the visually and hearing impaired.
-For children, use simple language, maintain eye level, and employ visual aids.
-For visually impaired patients, use descriptive language, avoid sudden contact, and verbalize actions.
-For hearing-impaired patients, use clear speech, visual cues, and written aids when needed.
- Review guidelines for using interpreters in healthcare.
Ensure accuracy by working with qualified interpreters who understand both the language and cultural context. Speak directly to the patient and allow time for interpreting.
- Why is patient-centered care essential?
Centers around understanding and respecting patients’ preferences, promoting dignity, involvement, and active decision-making. This approach improves outcomes and patient satisfaction by aligning care with individual needs.
- What is a therapeutic relationship? Why is it important?
A structured nurse-patient relationship that builds trust, respect, and collaboration toward health goals is crucial for patient adherence to care plans.
- Why is empathy important in nursing?
Empathy strengthens rapport and trust, enabling nurses to understand patient emotions and concerns. This ultimately leads to better support and individualized care.
