Theraputic Communication - (exemplar)

Question 1

Therapeutic communication

Answer 1

Communication that is a goal directed and focused dialogue between nurse and patient, specifically fitted to the needs of the patient

Question 2

purpose of therapeutic communication?

Answer 2

Help patient cope more effectively

Question 3

main requirement of therapeutic communication?

Answer 3

active listening

Question 4

when dealing with therapeutic communication what are some characteristics and purpose?

Answer 4

1. Focus of client centered approach - focus on the clients needs\
2. Goal directed (patients and nurses together)
3. Define rules and boundaries (pt is not your best friend)
4. Individualized strategies
5. non judgement

Question 5

Why is timing important regarding emotional readiness, and energy conservation

Answer 5

emotional readiness - can’t explain to someone if there are in a high stress environment because they wont get everything out of the conversation.
Energy conservation - what is there level of needs, concious, what trauma, able to talk

Question 6

what are the characteristics of verbal communication misinterpretation?

Answer 6

Function of language: verbal symbols letters we share to validate our feelings about the world
2. cultural & gender differences: how it is sent and received can affect communication
3. English as a second language: allow time for translation between messages
4. Paralanguage: vocaliations, pitch tone, signing, affects how it is interpereted
5. Slang and Jargon: avoid slang with patients (professional)

Question 7

What are the characteristics of nonverbal communication misinterpretation?

Answer 7

1. Body language (proxemic): patients and their own
2. Cultural & gender differences:
3. Interpreting cues and facial expressions:
   - Different cultures have different ideas on Hand gestures, eye contact, and touch
4. Clothing /grooming:
   - shows, mental status, age, function ect

Question 8

what does Verbal and nonverbal techniques to facilitate therapeutic communication require?

Answer 8

active listening
1. hears message
2. decodes meaning
3. provides feedback
4. soler position

Question 9

what does soler position stand for?

Answer 9

S: sit square – face patient
O: open posture – no crossed arms
L: lean forward
E: eye contact – comfort to the
person you are talking to
R: relax no fidgeting

Question 10

What are open ended, closed and focused questions to start therapeutic communication

Answer 10

open ended = how? what? never use why, may feel attacked
- cannot answer yes or no
Closed ended = did? will? yes or no questions
focused = more limiting (what is you birthdate

Question 11

when doing a communication assessment what do you have to take into consideration?

Answer 11

verbal
written
non verbal
sensory limitations
environment
developmental level

Question 12

When talking to infants how do you communicate with them?

Answer 12

nonverbal, gentle motion, parents are partners, slow & soft voice, sit at level or hold in arms when trust is established

Question 13

When talking to toddlers age 1-3 years how do you communicate with them?

Answer 13

brief & clear, simple complete sentence in the child’s words, no “baby” talk, show hands, allow some choices (do you want a half or whole glass of milk?), address parents first in voice and in location, sit down and join the child in play

Question 14

When talking to preschoolers age 3-5 years how do you communicate with them?

Answer 14

simple words, brief and concrete explanations, play therapy for explanations (doll or bear), provide choices, attending posture (presence), tell jokes

Question 15

When talking to school age 5-10 years how do you communicate with them?

Answer 15

include child in care & explanations, draw pictures, use some of their words, privacy.

Question 16

When talking to 11 or older how do you communicate with them?

Answer 16

abstract thinking can be used, but to a minimum, use humor, privacy, state limits of confidentiality, allow participation in decision making, attending posture, active listening

Question 17

when talking to an elder, how do you communicate?

Answer 17

• No demeaning terms
• include them in the conversation
• use normal mannerisms
• touch as appropriate
• energy level - decreased

Question 18

when talking to the visually impaired , how do you communicate?

Answer 18

a. let them know when and who is entering and leaving their area
b. normal tone of voice
c. explain touching before it is done
d. orient to environment, call light with in reach
e. if partial vision, stay in visual field
f. ambulate with the patient holding your arm
g. may use braille, books on tape, music, read to patient

Question 19

when talking to someone with hearing loss , how do you communicate?

Answer 19

orient patient to your presence by vision or touch
b. if us hearing aids, batteries working and they should be in
c. position yourself appropriately so they can see you
d. do not cover your face
e. speak distinctly without extra words, do not chew gum

Question 20

when talking to the speech or language deficits , how do you communicate?

Answer 20

ask them to repeat
b. use yes/no questions if need information
c. allow extra time for processing
d. short frequent interactions