Communication Basics
This is the primary goal of therapeutic communication.
What is to build trust and promote patient well-being?
Saying, “Everything will be fine, don’t worry” is an example of this type of response.
What is giving false reassurance?
Nodding, leaning forward, and using short responses like “uh-huh” are examples of this.
What is backchanneling?
Responding with, “That sounds very difficult for you,” demonstrates this.
What is empathy?
Patient: “I’m scared about my surgery.” Best therapeutic response?
What is “Can you tell me more about what you are feeling scared about?”
This nonverbal communication cue often conveys attentiveness.
What is maintaining eye contact?
Therapeutic or non-therapeutic? “Why didn’t you take your medication?”
What is non-therapeutic (asking “why” questions can feel judgmental)?
Restating what the patient said in your own words shows this skill.
What is paraphrasing?
Empathy differs from sympathy in this way.
What is empathy is understanding feelings, while sympathy is feeling pity?
Patient: “I feel so alone.” Non-therapeutic response?
What is “Don’t worry, you’re not alone.”
Open-ended questions are important because they do this.
What is encourage the patient to elaborate?
Redirecting focus back to the patient’s feelings instead of giving advice is an example of this.
What is therapeutic communication?
This technique ensures you understood the patient correctly.
What is seeking clarification?
This technique validates the patient’s feelings without judgment.
What is reflection?
Patient: “I don’t think my life is worth living.” Priority nurse response?
What is “Are you thinking about harming yourself?”
Silence can be therapeutic because it allows patients to do this.
What is process thoughts and feelings?
When a nurse shares too much personal information, it shifts focus away from the patient. This is considered what?
What is a non-therapeutic response (self-disclosure)?
Active listening involves both verbal and _______ communication.
What is nonverbal?
Nurses show empathy when they do this before offering solutions.
What is listen and acknowledge feelings?
Patient: “No one cares about me.” Therapeutic response?
What is “It sounds like you’re feeling uncared for. Tell me more about that.”
The nurse saying, “Tell me more about that,” is an example of this therapeutic technique.
What is using general leads?
Name two examples of therapeutic communication techniques.
What is reflection, restating, clarification, summarizing, or focusing? (Any two are acceptable.)
When a nurse summarizes the main points of a conversation, it shows this communication skill.
What is active listening?
Give an example of an empathetic statement a nurse might use.
What is “I can see that you are feeling very anxious right now.”
Patient: “I don’t want to talk about it.” Therapeutic nurse response?
What is “I understand. I’ll be here if you change your mind and want to talk later.”