Non-therapeutic Communication Flashcards
Assumes the nurse knows best and the patient cannot think for self. Inhibits problem-solving.
Example: “Get out of this situation immediately.”
Giving Premature Advice
More Helpful Responses (Encourage problem-solving):
“What are the Pros and Cons of your situation?”
“What were some of the actions you thought you might take?”
“What are some of the ways you thought of to meet your goals?”
Indicates the nurse is unable to understand or empathize with the patient. The patient’s feelings or experiences are being belittled, which can cause the patient to feel small or insignificant.
Examples: Patient: “I wish I were dead.”
Nurse: “Everyone gets down in the dumps.”
“I know what you mean.”
“You should feel happy that you are getting better.”
“Things get worse before they get better.”
Minimizing Feelings
More Helpful Response (Empathizing and Exploring):
“You must be feeling very upset. Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”
Underrates the patient’s feelings and belittles the patient’s concerns. May cause the patient to stop sharing feelings if the patient thinks he or she will be ridiculed or not taken seriously.
Examples: “I wouldn’t worry about that.”
“Everything will be all right.”
You will do just fine, you’ll see.”
Falsely Reassuring
More Helpful Responses (Clarifying):
“What specifically are you worried about?”
“What do you think could go wrong?”
“What are concerned might happen?”
Prevents problem-solving, Can make the patient feel guilty, angry, misunderstood, not supported, or anxious to leave.
Example: “How come you still smoke when your wife has lung cancer?”
Making Value Judgments
More Helpful Response (Making Observations):
“I notice you are still smoking even though your wife has lung cancer. Is this a problem?”
Implies criticism; often has the effect of making the patient feel defensive.
Example: “Why did you stop taking your medication?”
Asking “Why” Questions
More Helpful Response (Asking open-ended questions; giving a broad opening):
“Tell me some of the reasons that led up to you not taking your medication.”
Results in the patient’s not knowing which question to answer and possibly being confused about what is being asked.
Examples: Nurse: “How’s your appetite? Are you losing weight? Are you eating enough?”
Patient: “No.”
Asking Excessive Questions
More Helpful Response (Clarifying):
“Tell me about your eating habits since you’ve been depressed.”
Implies that the patient is doing the right thing and that not doing it is wrong. May lead the patient to focus on pleasing the nurse or clinician; denies the patient the opportunity to change his or her mind or decision.
Examples: “I’m proud of you for applying for that job.”
“I agree with your decision.”
Giving Approval; Agreeing
More Helpful Responses (Making Observations):
“I noticed that you applied for that job.”
“What factors led you to change your mind about applying for that job?”
(Asking open-ended questions; giving a broad opening):
“What led to that decision?”
Can make a person defensive.
Examples: “You really should have shown up for the medication group.”
“I disagree with that.”
Disapproving; Disagreeing
More Helpful Responses (Exploring):
“What was going through your mind when you decided not to come to your medication class?”
“That’s one point of view. How did you arrive at that conclusion?”
May invalidate the patient’s feelings and needs. Can leave the patient feeling alienated and isolated and increase feelings of hopelessness.
Example: Patient: “I’d like to die.”
Nurse: “Did you go to Alcoholics Anonymous like we discussed?”
Changing the Subject
More Helpful Response (Validating and exploring):
Patient: “I’d like to die.”
Nurse: “This sounds serious. Have you thought of harming yourself?”
