NCLEX-PN Study Guide: Therapeutic Communication & Nursing Process Flashcards

Comprehensive flashcards covering therapeutic communication techniques, non-verbal factors, communication blocks, and the six steps of the nursing process (ADPIE) based on the NCLEX-PN study guide.

One-Way Communication

A highly structured communication style where the sender is in control; it has limited use in a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship.

The Golden Rule (Communication)

The principle that the message intended is not always the message received.

Two-Way Communication

A style where both sender and receiver participate, which is the goal for building a professional relationship.

Verbal Communication

Communication via spoken or written words; note that words can have different meanings for different people.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication through tone, rate of voice, eye contact, physical appearance, and use of touch; often more reliable than verbal communication for assessing true feelings.

Eye Contact

Maintaining contact for $2$ to $6$ seconds to help involve the patient, though cultural variations exist.

Open Posture

A relaxed position with arms unfolded that conveys a willingness to communicate.

Closed Posture

Position with arms folded while facing away, conveying disinterest or a "bad" interaction.

Intimate Space

A distance of less than $18$ inches, typically used for activities like bathing or dressing changes.

Personal Space

A distance of $18$ inches to $4$ feet, commonly used during a nurse-patient assessment.

Social Space

A distance of $4$ to $12$ feet.

Public Space

A distance greater than $12$ feet, such as that used during lectures.

Active Listening

A therapeutic technique involving full attention, remaining at eye level, and providing feedback.

Silence

A therapeutic tool that gives the patient time to think; it is very effective during grieving.

Open-Ended Questions

Questions that usually begin with "How," "What," or "Can you tell me about…" to encourage more than a yes/no answer.

Restating/Clarifying

Repeating the main point of what the patient said to ensure accurate understanding.

Stating Observations

A technique used to validate what the nurse sees compared to what the patient is saying.

False Reassurance

A non-therapeutic block involving unrealistic statements like "It'll be okay."

Giving Advice

A non-therapeutic block that takes decision-making power away from the patient, often starting with "Why don't you…".

Asking for Explanations

A non-therapeutic block such as asking "Why do you feel that way?" which can make patients defensive.

Automatic Responses

The use of clichés like "You can't win them all," which blocks therapeutic communication.

Nursing Process (ADPIE)

An organizational framework and systematic method for planning and providing care in an orderly, scientific manner consisting of Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation.

Complete Assessment

A head-to-toe examination that covers all body systems to gather and organize data.

Focus Assessment

Gathering specific information on a particular health problem, performed continually during patient contact.

Subjective Data (Symptoms)

Hidden cues or information from the patient's perspective, such as "I'm nauseated."

Objective Data (Signs)

Observable or measurable information the nurse can see, such as emesis or vomiting.

Primary Source of Data

The patient, who is considered the most accurate source of information.

Secondary Source of Data

Information gathered from family, spouse, medical records, lab work, or diagnostic procedures.

Nursing Diagnosis

Identifies human responses to health problems (e.g., "Potential for discomfort"), typically analyzed by the RN with LPN collaboration.

Medical Diagnosis

The identification of a disease or condition made by a healthcare provider.

Actual Problem Statement

A three-part nursing diagnosis consisting of the patient problem, related factors (R/T), and evidence (AEB).

Potential Problem Statement

A two-part diagnosis consisting of a potential problem and associated risk factors.

Goal Identification (Outcomes)

The third step of the nursing process where specific, measurable, and realistic behaviors are set within a specific time frame.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

A framework used for priority setting that requires meeting lower-level physiological needs first.

Nursing Interventions

Actions a nurse can legally begin independently (nurse-prescribed) or those ordered by a physician (HCP prescribed).

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Using nursing research as the basis for actions to provide rationale and ensure accountability.

Evaluation

The final step of the nursing process used to determine if goals were achieved, partly achieved, or not achieved.