TEST 1 - UNIT E.1 - CH 32 - COMMUNICATION (Fundamentals Book) Flashcards
Communication is a complex process of
sending, receiving, and comprehending messages between two or more people
Communication is a
dynamic and ongoing process that creates a unique experience for the participants.
When communication breaks down, the result can be
workplace errors and the loss of professional credibility.
Nurses use communication when providing care to demonstrate
caring, establish therapeutic relationships, obtain and deliver information, and assist with changing behavior.
Therapeutic communication is foundational to the
nurse‑client relationship.
Effective communication is key to ensuring
clients’ safety.
LEVELS OF BASIC COMM UNICATION
intrapersonal
interpersonal
public
small group
Intrapersonal communication:
Communication within an individual. It is each person’s “self‑talk,” the internal discussion when thinking but not outwardly verbalizing thoughts. It helps nurses assess clients and situations and think critically about them before communicating verbally.
Interpersonal communication:
Communication between two people. This form of communication is the most common in nursing and requires an exchange of information with another individual. However, messages the receiver perceives can differ from what the sender intended.
Public communication:
Communication to, within, or between large groups of people. Using this type of communication, many nurses teach, give community presentations, or write about nursing or health care topics and issues.
Small group communication:
Communication within a group of people, often working toward a mutual goal (in committees, research teams, and support groups).
Functional components of communication
Referent:
Sender:
Receiver:
Message:
Channel:
Environment:
Feedback:
Interpersonal variables:
Referent
- The incentive or motivation for communication between two people
Sender
- The person who initiates and transmits the message
Receiver
The person to whom the sender aims the message and who interprets the sender’s message
Message
The verbal and nonverbal information the sender expresses and intends for the receiver
Channel
The method of transmitting and receiving a message (sight, hearing, touch, facial expression, body language)
Environment
The emotional and physical climate in which the communication takes place
Feedback
Can be verbal, nonverbal, positive, negative
● The message the receiver returns to the sender that indicates the receipt of the message
● An essential component of ongoing communication
Interpersonal variables
Factors that influence communication between the sender and the receiver (educational and developmental levels)
methods of communication
verbal
non-verbal
electronic
componenets of verbal communication
vocabulary
credibility
denotative and connotative meaning
clarity and brevity
timing and relevance
pacing
intonation
Vocabulary
These are the words that communicate a message the sender writes or speaks.
● Limited vocabulary or speaking a different language can
make it difficult for nurses to communicate with clients.
Using medical or nursing jargon can
decrease clients’ understanding.
Children and adolescents tend to use words
differently than adults do.
Credibility
Trustworthiness and reliability of the individual. Nurses must be knowledgeable, consistent, honest, confident, and dependable.
● Lack of credibility creates a sense of
uncertainty for clients.
Denotative and connotative meaning
When communicating, participants must share meanings.
● Words that have multiple meanings can cause miscommunication if people interpret them differently.
Clarity and brevity
The shortest, simplest communication is usually most effective.
● Long and complex communication can be difficult to understand.
Timing and relevance
Knowing when to communicate makes the receiver more attentive to the message.
● When clients are uncomfortable or distracted, it can be difficult to convey the message.
Pacing
● The rate of speech can communicate a meaning the speaker did not intend.
● Speaking rapidly can suggest not having time for the clients.
Intonation
● The tone of voice can communicate a variety of feelings.
● Nurses communicate feelings (acceptance, judgment, and dislike) through their tone of voice.
Nonverbal communication can often have a
greater effect on a message than the words do.
Culture also affects i
nterpretation. Attention to the following in both the communicator and the receiver is necessary.
Appearance, posture, gait:
Physical characteristics can convey professionalism. Body language and posture can demonstrate comfort and ease in the situation. The first impression is very important.
Facial expressions, eye contact, gestures:
Facial expressions can reveal feelings that clients can easily misinterpret.
Eye contact typically conveys
interest and respect but varies with culture and the situation.
Gestures can
enhance verbal communication or create their own messages.
Sounds:
Crying or moaning can have multiple meanings, especially when other nonverbal communication accompanies it.