Therapeutic Communications with Situational Examples Flashcards
Nurse: “What would you like to talk about today?”
Patient: “I’ve been feeling really overwhelmed.”
Broad Opening
Description: Giving a general topic, Introduction
The patient starts crying after discussing their recent diagnosis. The nurse sits quietly, maintaining a supportive presence, allowing the patient to process their emotions.
Silence
Description: Patient given time to convert emotions into thoughts then to words; middle of conversation
Nurse: “Can you tell me more about what happened before you started feeling anxious?”
Patient: “It usually happens when I’m in crowded places.”
Exploring
Description: Gathering informations
Nurse: “I’ll sit here with you until you’re ready to talk.”
Offering Self
Description: Demonstrating availability to provide comfort or support.
Nurse: “I noticed you seem more withdrawn today. Is something bothering you?”
Stating the Obvious
Description: Making observations about the patient’s behavior or condition.
Nurse: “The doctor has ordered a CT scan to get a clearer picture of your condition. It’s painless and will take about 15 minutes.”
Giving Information
Description: to reduce anxiety, health teaching
Patient: “The staff is trying to poison me.”
Nurse: “That sounds very frightening, but I assure you, the food here is safe. I’ll stay with you while you eat.”
Presenting Reality
Description: Making patient realize what’s real and not, acknowledge the patient’s feeling first
Patient: “I can’t sleep, I’m scared about my surgery, and I miss my family.”
Nurse: “Let’s talk about your fears about the surgery.”
Focusing
Description: Focus on one statement which is more important
Patient: “I feel like I’m turning into a snipe.”
Nurse: “What do you mean by ‘snipe’? Can you explain that to me?”
Clarifying
Description: Seeking to understand unclear statements; some patients have Neologism
Patient: “Do you think I’ll ever get better?”
Nurse: “What do you think about your recovery?”
Reflecting
Description: Throwing back questions to the patient, discussing or questioning
Patient: “I feel like no one listens to me.”
Nurse: “It sounds like you feel unheard.”
Restating
Description: Paraphrase what patient is saying; in sentence form rather than questioning
Nurse: “Go on…” or nods while maintaining eye contact.
General Loads
Description: Transitions such us “go on”, nodding, following patient’s statement or lead
Patient: “I feel so hopeless.”
Nurse: “Yes, I understand. It’s okay to feel that way.” (nods)
Accepting
Description: Conveying acknowledgment and understanding.
If patient is seen masturbating, what would you do?
Give the patient privacy then come back later
