Unit 1 Nontherapeutic communication Chapter 9 Flashcards
Giving premature advice
Assumes the nurse knows best and the patient can’t think for oneself. Inhibits problem solving and fosters dependency.
ex- the patient can’t think for oneself. Inhibits problem solving and fosters dependency.
“Get out of this situation immediately.”
should say..
Encouraging 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 have thought of to
meet your goals?”
Minimizing feelings
Indicates that the nurse is unable to understand or empathize with the patient. Here the patient’s feelings or experiences are being belittled, which can cause the patient to feel small or insignificant.
example
Patient: “I wish I were dead.” Nurse: “Everyone gets down in the
dumps.”
“I know what you mean.” “You should feel happy you’re
getting better.”
“Things get worse before they get
better.”
should say..
You must be feeling very upset. Are you thinking of
hurting yourself?”
Falsely reassuring
Underrates a person’s feelings and belittles a person’s concerns.
May cause the patient to stop sharing feelings if not taken seriously.
ex
“I wouldn’t worry about that.” “Everything will be all right.” “You will do just fine, you’ll see.”
should say…
“What specifically are you worried about?” “What do you think could go wrong?” “What are you concerned might happen?”
Making value judgments
Prevents problem solving. Can make the patient feel guilty, angry, misunderstood, not supported, or anxious to leave.
“How come you still smoke when your wife has lung cancer?”
Asking “why” questions
Implies criticism; often has the effect of making the patient feel defensive.
“Why did you stop taking your medication?”
Asking excessive ques- tions
Results in the patient not knowing which question to answer and possibly being confused about what is being asked.
Nurse: “How’s your appetite? Are you losing weight? Are you eating enough?”
Patient: “No
Giving approval, agreeing
Implies 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 her mind.
ex..
“I’m proud of you for applying for that job.”
“I agree with your decision.
should say…
I noticed that you applied for that job.”
“What factors will lead up to your changing your
mind?”
Disapproving, disagreeing
Can make a person defensive.
example
“You really should have shown up for the medication group.”
“I disagree with that.”
Changing the subject
May invalidate the patient’s feelings and needs.
Can leave the patient feeling alienated and isolated and increase feelings of hopelessness.
ex..
Patient: “I’d like to die.”
Nurse: “Did you go to Alcoholics
Anonymous like we discussed?”
