Nursing Communication & SBAR Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering forms of communication, SBAR framework, phases and goals of the helping relationship, and common communication barriers.

Verbal Communication

Exchange of information through spoken words; relies on mutual understanding of language.

Nonverbal Communication

Transmission of messages without words via facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, touch, posture, gait, appearance, grooming, and sounds such as sighing or moaning.

Examples of Nonverbal Cues

Facial expressions, gestures, eye contact, touch, body posture, physical appearance, and non-linguistic sounds.

Space, Time, Boundaries

Environmental and personal factors that influence nonverbal communication by defining physical distance, timing, and personal limits.

SBAR Technique

Standardized hand-off framework consisting of Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation to ensure clear, concise communication among healthcare providers.

Situation (SBAR)

Brief statement of the immediate issue or concern prompting the communication (e.g., “I am concerned the patient may arrest”).

Background (SBAR)

Relevant clinical context, including mental status, skin condition, oxygen use, and recent vital signs.

Assessment (SBAR)

Professional evaluation of the patient’s current problem and level of stability (e.g., “Patient appears septic and deteriorating”).

Recommendation (SBAR)

Specific actions requested from the receiver, such as transferring to ICU, ordering tests, or reevaluating vital-sign frequency.

Helping Relationship

Time-limited, goal-oriented therapeutic interaction between nurse and patient consisting of orientation, working, and termination phases.

Orientation Phase

Initial stage of the helping relationship focused on building trust, clarifying roles, and setting goals and boundaries.

Working Phase

Middle stage where nurse and patient collaborate, the patient actively participates, and mutually set goals are pursued.

Termination Phase

Final stage where goals are evaluated, progress is acknowledged, and feelings about ending the relationship are discussed.

Goals of the Orientation Phase

Patient calls nurse by name, understands roles, and agrees on goals, meeting schedule, and expected duration of care.

Goals of the Working Phase

Patient participates in care, cooperates to achieve goals, and openly expresses feelings and concerns.

Goals of the Termination Phase

Patient identifies accomplishments, recognizes progress toward goals, and verbalizes feelings about ending the relationship.

Blocks to Communication

Behaviors that hinder effective interaction, such as failing to listen, using clichés, giving advice, or changing the subject.

Nontherapeutic Questions

Queries that impede open dialogue by probing, judging, or pressuring, often beginning with “why” or “how.”

Closed Questions

Questions that can be answered with a single word or short phrase, limiting patient elaboration.

Leading Questions

Questions that suggest a desired answer, potentially biasing the patient’s response.

Clichés in Communication

Overused, non-specific phrases (e.g., “Everything will be fine”) that minimize patient feelings and hinder therapeutic rapport.

False Assurance

Unwarranted reassurance that dismisses patient concerns and may erode trust (e.g., “Don’t worry, you’ll be okay”).

Cultural Awareness in Communication

Recognizing personal biases, avoiding generalizations, asking about cultural values, and eliminating distractions to ensure respectful exchanges.

Active Listening

Focused, deliberate attention to the patient’s words and nonverbal cues, demonstrating empathy and understanding.