Therapeutic and Nontherapeutic Communication Techniques

These flashcards cover various therapeutic and nontherapeutic communication techniques vital for effective patient-nurse interactions.

Therapeutic Technique

A communication method used by healthcare professionals to improve patient interaction and understanding.

Silence

A therapeutic technique that gives the person time to collect thoughts or think through a point.

Accepting

Indicates that the person has been understood in a nonjudgmental manner.

Giving recognition

Indicates awareness of change and personal efforts without implying good or bad.

Offering self

Shows presence, interest, and a desire to understand without expectation of response.

Offering general leads

Encourages the other person to continue speaking and direct the conversation.

Giving broad openings

Clarifies that the patient leads the discussion while avoiding small talk.

Making observations

Calls attention to the person’s behavior to promote mutual understanding.

Encouraging description of perception

Increases understanding of the patient's perceptions by discussing their feelings.

Restating

Repeats the main idea expressed to confirm understanding.

Reflecting

Directs questions and feelings back to the patient, encouraging self-reflection.

Focusing

Concentrates attention on a single point, especially useful in anxiety situations.

Exploring

Examines ideas and experiences more fully without probing if the patient declines.

Giving information

Provides necessary facts to help patients make informed decisions.

Seeking clarification

Helps patients clarify their thoughts for mutual understanding.

Presenting reality

Describes what is real without arguing or trying to convince the patient.

Voicing doubt

Expresses uncertainty regarding the reality of the patient’s perceptions.

Verbalizing the implied

Puts into concrete terms what the patient implies, making communication clearer.

Translating words into feelings

Responds to expressed feelings, not just the content of communication.

Summarizing

Brings together important discussion points to enhance understanding.

Formulating a plan of action

Allows the patient to identify alternative actions in response to disturbing situations.

Nontherapeutic Technique

A communication method that hinders effective interaction between healthcare providers and patients.

Giving advice

Assumes the nurse knows best, inhibiting the patient’s problem-solving capabilities.

Minimizing feelings

Belittles the patient’s feelings, causing them to feel insignificant.

Falsely reassuring

Provides comfort not based on reality, making the patient feel unheard.

Making value judgments

Can lead to the patient feeling guilty, angry, or anxious.

Asking "why" questions

Can make the patient feel defensive by demanding explanations.

Excessive questioning

May confuse the patient, leading to uncertainty about what is being asked.

Giving approval, agreeing

Implies that the patient is doing the right thing, which can lead to dependency.

Disapproving, disagreeing

May cause defensiveness and resistance in the patient.

Changing the subject

Invalidates the patient’s feelings, increasing feelings of isolation.