Communication in Nursing

Question 1

Communication

Answer 1

• exchange of information, ideas, and feelings
• nurses communicate clients information effectively
• through discussion, reports, and records

Question 2

Modes of Communication

Answer 2

• verbal

- nonverbal

Question 3

Characteristics of Communication

Answer 3

• simplicity (simple words)
• clarity (say what is meant)
• timing and relevance (consider client’s interest and concerns)
• adaptability (depending on mood of client)
• credibility (provide accurate information)

Question 4

Components of Communication

Answer 4

• sender
• receiver
• message
• channels
• feedback

Question 5

Criteria for Effective Verbal Communication

Answer 5

1. vocabulary
2. denotative and connotative (real meaning and interpretation of a word’s meaning)
3. pacing
4. intonation
5. clarity and brevity
6. timing and relevance

Question 6

Guidelines for Active and Effective Listening

Answer 6

S - stand/sit facing the client
O - observe an open posture
L - lean towards client
E - establish and maintain eye contact
R - relax

Question 7

Guidelines for use of Touch

Answer 7

• be sensitive to other’s reaction of touch
• consider cultural factors
• gentle or as firm as needed
• sometimes needs to be withheld

Question 8

Zones of Personal Space

Answer 8

• intimate zone (0-18 inches)
• social zone (4 to 12 feet)
• personal zone (18 inches to 4 feet)
• public zone (12 feet and greater)

Question 9

Zones of Touch

Answer 9

• social zone (permission not needed, hands, arms, back)
• vulnerable zone (special care, head, neck, torso)
• consent zone (permission needed, mouth, feet)
• intimate zone (great sensitivity needed, groin area and anus area)

Question 10

Considerations for Older Adults w/ Communication Needs

Answer 10

• check hearing aid
• amplify voice if necessary
• minimize visual and auditory distractions
• provide visual aids
• summarize important points of the conversation
• give clients plenty of time to ask/answer
• stick to one topic at time

Question 11

Developmental Considerations in Communication with Infants

Answer 11

• use firm and gentle physical contact
• hold infant
• talk softly to the infant

Question 12

Developmental Considerations with Toddlers and Preschoolers

Answer 12

• interact with parents before talking to child
• position at child’s eye level
• allow children to touch objects that will come in contact with them
• use simple words and short sentences
• communicate through transition objects (ex. dolls, stuffed animals).

Question 13

Developmental Considerations in School Age Children

Answer 13

• avoid sudden advances, broad smiles, staring or other threatening gestures
• talk to parent if child is initially shy
• give opportunity to discuss concerns without parents present
• be honest and let child know what to expect
• use variety of techniques such as drawing or playing

Question 14

Developmental considerations in Communication with Adolescents

Answer 14

• give undivided attention
• listen
• be courteous, calm, and open-minded
• avoid judging or criticizing
• respect their privacy and views
• praise good points and tolerate differences
• encourage expressions of ideas and feelings

Question 15

Communication Techniques

Answer 15

therapeutic and non-therapeutic

Question 16

Therapeutic Communication

Answer 16

face-to-face process of interaction that focuses on advancing the physical and emotional well-being of a patient

Question 17

Non-therapeutic communication

Answer 17

asking personal questions that are not relevant to the situation is not professional or appropriate