Maslow & Basic Needs
These are things necessary for a person’s health and survival.
What are basic human needs?
The majority of communication occurs through this type of communication.
What is non-verbal communication?
A client is upset, so you sit quietly beside them and allow them time to process their feelings. Therapeutic or non-therapeutic?
What is therapeutic communication?
Mr. Tetrault had a stroke and understands what you are saying but has difficulty telling you what he wants. What is this called?
What is expressive aphasia?
Collecting information about a client is called this.
What is assessment?
Food, water, oxygen, sleep, and elimination belong to this level of Maslow’s hierarchy.
What are physiological needs?
Facial expressions, gestures, posture, touch, appearance, and tone of voice are examples of this.
What is non-verbal communication/body language?
A client says they are afraid of surgery. You respond, “You’re being silly. There’s nothing to worry about.” Therapeutic or non-therapeutic?
What is non-therapeutic communication?
A client has difficulty understanding what other people are saying following a stroke. What is this called?
What is receptive aphasia?
A client says, “I feel dizzy and nauseous.” Is this objective or subjective data?
What is subjective data?
A client is at risk for falls, so you make sure their call bell is within reach and the floor is clear. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy are you addressing?
What are safety needs?
Being open-minded, patient, and attentive while another person is speaking is called this.
What is active listening?
A client says, “I’m exhausted and I don’t like it here.” You respond, “You feel exhausted?” What communication technique are you using?
What is clarifying/selective reflection?
How should you communicate with an unconscious client?
Approach and speak to them as though they can hear and understand you.
You measure a client’s temperature at 38.4°C. Is this objective or subjective data?
What is objective data?
A client feels lonely and says they miss their family. Which level of Maslow’s hierarchy is affected?
What are love and belonging needs?
Facing someone squarely, having an open posture, and leaning slightly toward them are examples of this communication skill.
What is physical attending?
You notice a client has dark circles under their eyes and ask, “How was your sleep?” What type of communication technique is this?
What is a broad opening statement?
Before entering the room of a client who is visually impaired, what should you do?
Let them know you are approaching/announce yourself when entering.
You notice a client’s skin is pale and cool to the touch. Is this objective or subjective data, and why?
Objective — it is something you can observe or measure using your senses.
Name Maslow’s five levels in order, beginning with the most basic.
What are physiological, safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization?
Age, values, perceptions, emotions, culture, gender, knowledge, relationships, environment, and personal space can all affect this.
What is the communication process?
A client tells you they are worried about going home. Instead of changing the subject, you say, “Tell me more about what is worrying you.” Why is this therapeutic?
It encourages the client to express their thoughts and feelings and shows interest/listening.
A client understands your question but cannot say the word they want. They are able to write the answer on paper. Which type of aphasia is most likely?
What is expressive aphasia?
Name five observations that should be reported immediately to the nurse.
Any five: severe pain; seizure/twitching/shaking; decreased/loss of consciousness; weakness; loss of movement; signs of shock; bleeding; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; cyanosis; chest pain; falls/accidents; injuries; sudden change in condition.
Any five: severe pain; seizure/twitching/shaking; decreased/loss of consciousness; weakness; loss of movement; signs of shock; bleeding; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; cyanosis; chest pain; falls/accidents; injuries; sudden change in condition.
Physiological needs. Food and fluids are necessary for survival and must be addressed before love and belonging needs.
Mr. Brown is telling you about a concern. You are standing with your arms crossed, looking at the clock and checking your phone while saying, “Yes, I’m listening.” What might your non-verbal communication be telling Mr. Brown? What could you change?
Your body language may communicate disinterest or that you are in a hurry. Face him, use an open posture, make appropriate eye contact, lean slightly toward him, and give him your attention.
A client begins crying and says, “I’m terrified about my surgery tomorrow. What if something goes wrong?” The HCA responds, “Don’t worry! You’ll be fine. Lots of people have this surgery.” Is this therapeutic or non-therapeutic? What could the HCA say instead?
Non-therapeutic. It dismisses the client’s feelings and gives false reassurance. A better response: “You seem worried about your surgery. Would you like to talk about what is worrying you?”
Mr. Tetrault had a stroke. You ask if he would like juice or water. He appears to understand you and points toward the water, but when he tries to answer, his words do not come out properly. What communication difficulty is he experiencing?
Expressive aphasia — he has difficulty expressing himself/speaking even though he may understand what is being said.
While helping Mrs. Singh get dressed, she suddenly becomes very weak on one side, has difficulty speaking, and seems confused. She says, “I feel funny.” What should you do?
Report the sudden change to the nurse immediately and stay with the client/follow facility emergency procedures. Sudden weakness, speech changes, and confusion may indicate a serious medical emergency.