Communica

ting
 Learning Outcomes

1. Describe factors influencing the

communication process.
2. Discuss nurseclient communication
as a dynamic process.
3. Describe four phases of the helping
relationship.
4. Identify features of effective groups.
 Learning Outcomes
5. Identify types of groups helpful in promoting
health and comfort.
6. Discuss how nurses use communication
skills in each phase of the nursing process.
7. State why effective communication is
imperative among health professionals.
8. Differentiate major characteristics between
assertive and nonassertive communication.
Pretest

.
 Question 1

A student nurse is caring for a 72-year-old

client with Alzheimers disease who is very
confused. The most appropriate
communication strategy should include
which of the following?

1. Written directions for bathing

2. Speaking very loudly
3. Gentle touch while providing ADLs
4. Flat facial expression
Question 2

A depressed client who has not bathed or

dressed in clean clothes today is reading
the lunch menu but is unable to make a
decision. Which of the following would be
the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for
this client?
1. Anxiety
2. Powerlessness
3. Chronic Low Self-Esteem
4. Social Isolation
 Question 3
The nurse is communicating with a well-
oriented older adult client in a long-term care
setting. Which statement best reflects
respectful and caring communication?

1. Are we ready for our shower?

2. Its time to go to the dining room, honey.
3. Are you comfortable, Mrs. Smith?
4. You would rather wear the slacks, wouldnt
you?
 Question 4
The nurse is communicating with a primary care provider
about medical interventions prescribed for a client. Which
of the following statements is most representative of a
collaborative nurse-physician relationship?

1. That new medication you prescribed for Mr. Black is

ineffective.
2. I am worried about Mr. Blacks blood pressure. It is not
decreasing even with the new antihypertensive
medication.
3. Can we talk about Mr. Black?
4. Excuse me doctor. I think we need to talk about Mr.
Black's blood pressure.
 Question 5
The nurse asks the client, What do you
fear most about your surgery tomorrow?
This is an example of which of the
following communication techniques?

1. Providing general leads

2. Seeking clarification
3. Presenting reality
4. Summarizing
COMMUNICATION
COMMUNICATION
has various meanings, depending on the
context in which it is used.
To some, communication is the interchange of

information between two or more people

Communication may have a more personal

connotation than the interchange of ideas or

thoughts. It can be a transmission of feelings or
a more personal and social interaction between
people.
Communication
Sometimes a client may say that a nurse
is efficient but lacking in something
called bedside manner.
For the purpose of this text,
COMMUNICATION is any means of
exchanging information or feelings
between two or more people.
It is a basic component of human
relationships, including nursing.
 Communication
The intent of any communication is to
obtain a response.
Thus, communication is a process.

It has two main purposes:

To influence others and to gain information.

Communication can be described as helpful
or unhelpful.
 Communication

Nurses who communicate effectively are

better able to:
collect assessment data,
initiate interventions,
evaluate outcomes of interventions,
initiate change that promotes health,
and prevent the safety and legal problems
associated with nursing practice.
 Communication

The communication process is

built on a trusting relationship
with a client and support
persons.
Effective communication is
essential for the establishment of
a nurseclient relationship
 Communication
Communication can occur on an intrapersonal level
within a single individual as well as on interpersonal
and group levels.
Both the sender and the receiver of a message
usually engage in self-talk.
It involves thinking about the message before it is
sent, while it is being sent, and after it is sent, and it
occurs constantly. Consequently, intrapersonal
communication can interfere with a persons ability to
hear a message as the sender intended (Figure 261
).
Figure 26-1 Improving student nurse self-talk.
Figure 26-1 (continued) Improving student nurse self-talk.