Chapter 8 Communication

What does SBAR stand for in standardized hand-off communication?

Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendations.

What does the I-SBAR-R modification add to SBAR?

Identity of the nurse and patient (I) plus Read-back (R) to confirm understanding.

What are the four levels of communication in nursing practice?

Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, Small-group, Organizational.

How would you describe the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship?

A caring, patient-centered, professional relationship that is dynamic, purposeful, time-limited, with clear boundaries.

What are the three phases of the therapeutic nurse–patient relationship?

Orientation phase, Working (identification/exploration) phase, Termination phase.

How does a therapeutic relationship differ from a friendship?

Therapeutic is professional and goal-oriented with unequal information sharing; friendship is informal and mutual.

What is rapport in nursing communication?

A sense of mutual trust and ease that facilitates open communication and collaboration.

Define nonverbal communication.

The transmission of information without words through touch, eye contact, facial expressions, posture, gestures, and other cues.

Name three common nonverbal cues used in nurse-patient interactions.

Eye contact, touch, facial expressions.

What is proxemics in communication?

The study of personal space and distance zones (intimate, personal, social, public) and their effects on interaction.

What should you do before entering a patient’s intimate or personal space?

Obtain the patient’s permission or consent to approach.

What are the three communication channels described in nursing?

Auditory, Visual, Kinesthetic.

What are the components of Berlo’s SMCR communication model?

Source/encoder, Message, Channel, Receiver/decoder.

What is 'noise' in the communication process?

Any distraction or interference that distorts the message.

What does CUS stand for in patient safety communication?

I’m Concerned, I’m Uncomfortable, This Is Unsafe.

What is the difference between empathy and sympathy?

Empathy is understanding another person’s feelings; sympathy is feeling sorrow for their situation.

Name one principle from the ANA’s social networking guidelines for nurses.

Do not transmit or place online individually identifiable patient information.

What is the purpose of the box Remembering 'Through the Eyes of a Patient' in communication?

To illustrate how patients perceive nurse communication and what constitutes respectful, patient-centered interaction.

What is the difference between privacy and confidentiality in nursing communication?

Privacy protects conversations from being overheard; confidentiality protects patient information and access to it.

What are key communication considerations for patients with special needs (Box 8-6)?

Acknowledge presence, orient to the environment, use simple language or interpreters, consider hearing/vision impairments, use assistive devices as needed.

What is an open-ended question in nursing interviews?

A question that allows broad, descriptive responses and prevents yes/no answers.

What is a closed question and when is it used?

A question that requires a brief yes/no or limited-answer response; used to obtain specific data quickly.

What is elderspeak and why is it discouraged?

Infantilizing, patronizing speech to older adults; considered ageist and disrespectful.

What is hand-off communication and why is SBAR recommended?

Transfer of patient care between providers; SBAR provides a clear, structured method to reduce errors during hand-offs.

What are incivility and bullying in the nursing workplace?

Disruptive behaviors that threaten safety and teamwork; require zero-tolerance policies and reporting.

What is the termination phase in the therapeutic nurse-patient relationship?

Concluding the relationship; review goals and progress; discuss feelings about termination and plan for continuing care.

What is therapeutic touch?

A nonverbal technique used to convey care and comfort; should be used considerately and with patient consent.

Why is listening and environment important in nurse-patient communication?

Active listening and a calm, private environment build trust, reduce distractions, and improve understanding.