NCM103: FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING PRACTICE | THEORY MODULE 2: Communication

Communication

The process of exchanging information, ideas, or feelings between two or more people through verbal or nonverbal messages.

Simplicity

Using commonly understood words, brevity, and completeness in communication.

Verbal Communication

Communication that uses spoken or written words.

Nonverbal Communication

Communication that uses gestures, facial expressions, posture, tone, and body language instead of words.

Electronic Communication

Communication that uses technology such as emails, phone calls, and video conferences.

Pace and Intonation

The speed, rhythm, and tone of speech that influence how a message is understood.

Clarity

Delivering a message in a clear and understandable way.

Brevity

Using the fewest words necessary to communicate a message.

Timing

Delivering a message at the appropriate moment.

Relevance

Providing information that is directly related to the situation or patient’s condition.

Adaptability

Adjusting communication based on the client’s reactions or behavior.

Credibility

Being trustworthy, dependable, honest, and confident when communicating.

Humor

The careful use of light humor to reduce stress and help clients cope with difficult situations.

Physical Appearance

The way a person dresses or presents themselves which may reflect mood, culture, or self-concept.

Posture

The way a person sits or stands which can indicate emotions or health status.

Gait

The manner in which a person walks, which may show mood or physical condition.

Facial Expression

Movements of facial muscles that show emotions like happiness, sadness, or anger.

Gestures

Movements of hands or body used to emphasize or replace spoken words.

Sender

The person who creates and sends the message.

Message

The information, ideas, or feelings that are communicated.

Receiver

The person who receives and interprets the message.

Feedback

The response given by the receiver to the sender to indicate understanding.

Intrapersonal Communication

Communication that occurs within oneself, also called self-talk.

Interpersonal Communication

One-to-one communication between two people.

Small Group Communication

Communication that occurs within a small group working toward a common goal.

Public Communication

Communication that occurs when one person speaks to a large audience.

Language Deficit

Communication difficulty caused by differences in language.

Sensory Deficit

Difficulty communicating due to problems with hearing, vision, or other senses.

Structural Deficit

Physical problems in speech structures such as cleft palate or tracheostomy affecting communication.

Cognitive Impairment

A condition affecting thinking and understanding, such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Paralysis

Loss of movement that may affect speaking or writing abilities.

Development

The stage of growth and maturity that affects how a person understands communication.

Gender

Differences in communication styles between males and females.

Values

Personal beliefs and standards that influence behavior.

Perception

A person’s interpretation or understanding of an event or situation.

Personal Space

The distance people prefer to maintain between themselves and others during interaction.

Territoriality

A person’s sense of ownership over their personal space or belongings.

Environment

The surroundings where communication occurs which may affect understanding.

Congruence

When verbal and nonverbal messages match and convey the same meaning.

Interpersonal Attitudes

Feelings and beliefs toward others that influence communication.

Boundaries

Professional limits that protect the nurse-client relationship.

Therapeutic Communication

Communication techniques that promote understanding and help build a trusting nurse-client relationship.

Non-Therapeutic Communication

Communication responses that block or harm effective interaction with a client.

Silence

Allowing pauses in conversation so the client can think or express feelings.

Active Listening

Fully concentrating and paying attention to what the client is saying.

General Leads

Statements or questions that encourage the client to continue talking.

Open-Ended Questions

Questions that allow the client to answer with more than yes or no.

Restating (Paraphrasing)

Repeating the client’s message using similar words to show understanding.

Clarification

Asking questions to make a message clearer or easier to understand.

Offering Self

Making oneself available to the client to show interest and support.

Giving Information

Providing factual information to the client in a clear and simple way.

Acknowledging

Recognizing a client’s behavior or effort in a neutral way.

Reflecting

Directing the client’s thoughts or feelings back to them for further exploration.

Summarizing

Reviewing the main points discussed during communication.

Empathy

Understanding and sharing another person’s feelings.

Stereotyping

Making generalized beliefs about groups of people.

Being Defensive

Protecting oneself or others from criticism instead of addressing the concern.

Probing

Asking questions mainly out of curiosity rather than to help the client.

Passing Judgment

Expressing approval or disapproval about a client’s behavior.

Unwanted Reassurance

Giving false or empty comfort statements.

Nursing Interview

A planned conversation with a purpose to gather or provide information.

Directive Interview

A structured interview where the nurse controls the questions.

Non-Directive Interview

An interview where the client controls the topic and direction.

Focused Interview

A type of interview where the nurse asks specific questions to obtain important data.

SOAPIE Documentation

A documentation method that stands for Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan, Intervention, and Evaluation.

FDAR Documentation

A documentation format that stands for Focus, Data, Action, and Response.

Change-of-Shift Report

Communication between nurses to update patient information when shifts change.

Telephone Orders

Medical orders given by a physician through the telephone.

Nursing Rounds

A process where nurses visit patients together to discuss and evaluate care.

Client Records

Written documentation of patient care and health status.

Documentation

Recording patient information and care provided by healthcare professionals.

Factual Documentation

Recording only accurate and objective information.

Accurate Documentation

Ensuring all recorded information is correct.

Complete Documentation

Including all necessary details about patient care.

Current Documentation

Recording information immediately or soon after care is provided.

Organized Documentation

Recording information in a logical and systematic manner.