Therapeutic Communication: Nonverbal
Allows time to organize thoughts and formulate an appropriate response; often conveys respect, understanding, caring, and support; allows observation of patient’s nonverbal responses
Silence
Does not require a specific answer and cannot be answered by “yes,” “no,” or a one-word response.
Open-Ended Questioning
True or False?
The manner, or style, in which a message is communicated greatly affects the mood and the overall outcome of an interaction.
True
A person is considered to display an _____ posture when taking a relaxed stance with uncrossed arms and legs while facing the other individual.
Open
True or False?
Communication is verbal and nonverbal.
True
Often conveys warmth, caring, comfort, support, and understanding
Touch
Repeating to the patient what the nurse believes to be the main point that the patient is trying to communicate.
Restating
style is interaction that considers the feelings and needs of the patient yet honors the nurse’s rights as an individual. It makes interactions more even and has positive benefits for all involved.
Assertive
______ _______ is a more formal, distant stance, generally with the arms, and possibly the legs, tightly crossed.
Closed Posture
Is commonplace “language” or terminology unique to people in a particular work setting, such as a hospital, or to a specific type of work, such as nursing.
Jargon
Conveys interest and caring; gives patient full attention; allows feedback to verify understanding of the message
Active Listening
It usually involves nonverbal cues, such as maintaining appropriate eye contact, nodding occasionally, and verbal comments such as “Yes, go on” to encourage the patient to continue.
Minimal Encouragement
Occurs when an individual interacts with another in an overpowering and forceful manner to meet one’s own personal needs at the expense of the other.
Aggressive
From the face to about 18 inches away is the.
intimate space.
It consists of an exchange of information that facilitates the formation of a positive nurse-patient relationship and actively involves the patient in all areas of care.
Therapeutic Communication
Communicates to the patient that the nurse is interested and wants to hear more
Encouragement by nodding, and maintaining eye contact.
Restatement of the patient’s message in the nurse’s own words.
Paraphrasing
In this style, the nurse agrees to do what the patient requests, even though doing so creates additional problems for the nurse.
Unassertive
Comprises the area from 18 inches to 4 feet away from a person.
The personal space
Requires full attention to what the patient is saying. The nurse hears the message, interprets its meaning, and gives the patient feedback, indicating understanding of the message.
Active Listening
Demonstrates acceptance of patient’s rights to current beliefs and practices without condoning them; nonjudgmental.
Conveying acceptance
Seeks to understand the patient’s message by asking for more information or for elaboration on a point.
Clarifying
Nontherapeutic styles of communication.
Aggressive and Unassertive
Is 4 to 12 ft from a person.
The social space
Using falsely comforting phrases in an attempt to offer reassurance.
False reassurance