Non-Therapeutic Communiction Flashcards
Patient: “I’m so scared something might go wrong during the surgery.”
Nurse: “Don’t worry; everything will be fine.”
False Reassurance
- It dismisses the patient’s concerns and feelings without addressing or validating them.
Therapeutic Response: “It’s normal to feel scared. What specifically worries you about the surgery?”
Patient: “I haven’t smoked for two weeks now.”
Nurse: “Good job! I’m proud of you for doing what I told you to do.”
Approval (Nurse’s opinion, cliché)
- implies judgment, and the patient may rely on external validation instead of building internal motivation.
Therapeutic Response: “That’s a big step! How does it feel to be smoke-free so far?”
Patient: “I hate being here; no one cares about me.”
Nurse: “That’s not true. We’re doing our best. Why don’t you think about how much worse other people have it?”
Rejecting/Belittling/Individualizing (Nurse’s opinion, cliché)
- It minimizes the patient’s feelings and invalidates their experience.
Therapeutic Response: “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. Can you tell me more about what’s making you feel uncared for?”
Patient: “I don’t know if I should go through with the chemo.”
Nurse: “You should definitely do it. It’s the best option.”
Giving Advice (Nurse’s opinion, cliché)
- Giving advice takes away the patient’s autonomy and prevents them from making their own informed decision.
Therapeutic Response: “It sounds like this is a tough decision for you. What are your thoughts on the risks and benefits so far?”
Nurse: “Why didn’t you come to your last appointment?”
Patient: “I had personal reasons.”
Instead of asking “why” what can you say instead?
Nurse: “I noticed you weren’t able to make it to your last appointment. Can you tell me more about “what” happened?”
Patient: “I had some personal reasons.”
- Encourages the patient to open up without feeling defensive.
Nurse: “If you don’t take this medication, you’ll get sicker, and we’ll have to restrain you.”
Threat
- Threats create fear and distrust, damaging the therapeutic relationship and making the patient feel coerced.
Therapeutic Response: “I understand you’re hesitant to take this medication. Can we talk about your concerns so we can find a solution together?”
