Chapter 3: Communication and Thinking Skills

Question 1

What is Communication?

Answer 1

A 2-way process in which the sender and receiver understand the message in the same way.

Question 2

What are Non-Verbal Communications?

Answer 2

Eye Contact, Facial Expressions, Body Language, Gestures, Postures, Tone of Voice, and Touch.

Question 3

Can Verbal and Nonverbal messages relay the same thing?

Answer 3

No, they can contradict each other. You may verbally say one thing, but your nonverbal communications may say something else.

Question 4

What are effective verbal communication guidelines?

Answer 4

Prepare yourself before you speak.
Analyze the intent of each message.
Adapt to physical settings when communicating.
Adequately brief the patient
Consider tone of voice, how fast you talk, and body language.
Ask questions to ensure the other person understands what you are saying.

Question 5

What are the two types of communication?

Answer 5

Social Communication and Supportive Communication

Question 6

What is Social Communication?

Answer 6

Polite or friendly exchange of factual or social information.
This helps to establish a relationship with patients and helps lead to supportive communication.

Question 7

What is Supportive Communication?

Answer 7

This is more goal oriented. This helps the patient to discuss how they feel and where they can share any problem or concern.

Question 8

What kinds of emotions does supportive communication help to relive?

Answer 8

It can help the patient relieve anger, anxiety, or frustration. This helps you to learn about any needs that are unmet for your patient.

Question 9

What are some examples of Effective Communication?

Answer 9

Listening, Observing, Repeating, Gathering Information, Summarizing, Accepting, Touching, Clarifying, Maintaining Silence, and Responding Appropriately.

Question 10

What are Common Communication Barriers?

Answer 10

Talking to fast
Using Slang, Medical Vocabulary, or broad generalizations
Talking Down
Speaking hostilely or in an insulting tone
Labeling patients
Lack of common language

Question 11

Who prevents a conversation from starting or continuing.

Answer 11

The Listener

Question 12

Why would a patient cut off communication?

Answer 12

If they feel embarrassed, threatened, or distrustful.

Question 13

What are some negative communication traits?

Answer 13

Judgmental Responses
Arguing
Solving
Interrupting
Distractions
Changing the Subject
False Assurances
Untruthfulness
Evasion
Avoidance
False Reassurance

Question 14

What states can affect communication?

Answer 14

Physical and Emotional

Question 15

How do you talk to someone who has hearing impairments?

Answer 15

Face them directly and if possible on the same level
Use facial expressions, gestures, and touch to enhance communication.
Lower your tone of voice
Reduce Background Noises
Get the patient’s attention before speaking
Always talk to them when you are in the same room, never talk from a different room.
Write things down.

Question 16

How do you communicate with someone who has a vision impairment?

Answer 16

Promote patient independence.
Guide them by having them hold onto your arm.
When approaching them, always say hello.
Always tell them when you’re leaving and when you will return.
Use touch and voice to communicate.

Question 17

How do you communicate with someone who has a speech impairment?

Answer 17

Stand where they can see you.
Speak in a normal tone slowly and clearly.
Use common vocabulary in short simple sentences.
Give requests or directions in a simple manner, repeat when necessary.
Use simple gestures for clarification.
Be patient and give them time to speak.
Do not trat them as children.

Question 18

What is confusion?

Answer 18

The result of memory loss or an illness. Can be short term or long term.

Question 19

How do you communicate with someone who has confusion?

Answer 19

Use simple and direct language.
Only ask one question at a time - allow plenty of time for them to answer your question.
Use reality sensory stimulation by identifying what is happening around them and clarifying who they are.
Talk face to face.
Keep environment calm.
Use supportive communication.

Question 20

How do you communicate with someone who has Mental Challenges?

Answer 20

Communicate in a quiet or private area.
Be patient, flexible, and supportive.
Speak to them at their mental age and not their physical age.
Do not mimic the patient.
Create a triad communication.

Question 21

What is a triad communication?

Answer 21

The sonographer, patient, and a family member/ or interpreter.

Question 22

What is professional communication?

Answer 22

Interviewing patients and instructing their families.
Reporting Sonographic findings
Participating in team conferences, grand rounds, training, and departmental meetings.
Recording Information in daily logs, charts, and files.
Accessing patient charts
Contacting referring physicians
Scheduling patients
Never offer a clinical diagnosis.

Question 23

What are examples of Sonographer reports?

Answer 23

Measurements
Comments on echogenicity
Locations of normal and abnormal structures
Any unusual patient positions
Scanning planes
Instrumentation changes required to complete exam.
Any technical or patient difficulties during exam.
DO NOT REPORT DIAGNOSTIC REPORTS.

Question 24

How do you help patients deal with bad news?

Answer 24

By following the 5 stages of grief.

Question 25

Who created the 5 stages of grief?

Answer 25

Elizabeth Kuber-Ross

Question 26

What are the five stages of grief?

Answer 26

Denial and Isolation
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance