Communication I
Body language includes what?
Appearance, facial expressions, posture, eye contact and gestures.
True or false: You can document in pencil.
False
What are some forms of non-verbal communication?
Messages sent without words through body language, touch, and the use of silence
True or false: separation from children can cause loneliness in an older client.
True
False
True or false: you can use open-ended questions to start a conversation.
True
When should the support worker contact the supervisor?
When you believe the client's safety is at risk.
What are some communication methods?
Active listening, paraphrasing, empathetic listening, asking closed or open-ended questions, clarifying and focusing
Decreased sensitivity to heat may increase risk of burns.
What does the F.A.S.T. method stand for? What should you do if you think your client is having a stroke?
F: Facial drooping
A: Arm weakness
S: Speak difficulty
T: Time to call 911
Call clinic ASAP
Interpersonal communication is defined as:
The exchange of information between two people.
When reporting to the nurse, you should do which of the following:
Report what you observed and did yourself, report any changes in the client's condition snd report promptly, throughly and accurately.
What are some examples of communication barriers?
Interrupting, answering ones own question, giving advice, minimizing problems, using patronizing language, failing to listen
Why can eating sometimes be difficult for the older client?
May not be able to taste things as well as they used too making eating less enjoyable or having false teeth (dentures) or missing teeth making eating difficult.
How can you keep a client with dementia safe and healthy?
Try to keep noise down, keep cleaners and sharp objects in a safe place, monitor them around stoves, approach them from the front, keep your questions simple, remind them to eat and use the bathroom, encourage independence as much as possible.
Asking closed questions does what:
Focuses on obtaining specific information.
What is a care plan?
Written guide that gives direction about the care and services a client should receive.
Write in pen ONLY; don't skip lines or leave blank spaces; always write the date and time; if you make a mistake don't use white-out or scribble it out, draw one line through the words and put "error" and your initial; only chart what YOU heard or saw during YOUR visit; don't use slang or put your opinions in your note
How can a support worker facilitate breathing in the older client?
Avoid heavy bed linens over the client's chest, encourage deep breathing and encourage activity.
What are some difficult behaviours associated with dementia?
Aggressive behaviour, hallucinations, sundowning, sexual actions, wandering
Nonverbal signs of anger include:
Pacing, clenched fists, reddened face or neck and rapid movements.
What are the four senses you use to obtain information about a client?
Smell, hearing, touch and sight.
What are some ways to communicate effectively with words?
Choose your words carefully; use simple everyday language; speak clearly, slowly and distinctly; control the volume and tone of your voice; be concise; present information in a logical manner; ask one question at a time; determine understanding and do not pretend to understand
What are the symptoms of a heart attack? And what should you do if you think your client is having a heart attack?
What are some signs of dementia?
Forgetfulness, putting things in weird places, forgetting how to do simple tasks, getting lost in familiar places, repeating words or sentences, poor judgement, changes in mood, behaviour or personality, loss of interest in activities or hobbies