Chapter 4: Communication

Vocabulary terms and definitions regarding nursing communication techniques, styles, and therapeutic practices.

Sender

The person who conveys the message in the communication process.

Receiver

The individual to whom the message is conveyed.

Verbal communication

A form of communication that involves the use of spoken or written words or symbols.

Jargon

Specialized terminology used by people within a particular profession or group.

Nonverbal communication

The transmission of a message without the use of words, conveyed through voice, eye contact, physical appearance, gestures, and posture.

Assertive communication

A communication style that takes into account the feelings and needs of the patient while honoring the nurse’s rights, resulting in even-sided interactions.

Aggressive communication

Interacting in an overpowering and forceful manner to meet one’s own personal needs; it is considered destructive and nontherapeutic.

Unassertive communication

A communication style where one agrees to do what is requested, which often creates additional problems.

Therapeutic Relationship

An interaction between nurse and patient characterized by caring, sincerity, empathy, and trustworthiness, ensuring the patient is the focus.

Trust

The foundation for all effective interaction that allows the nurse-patient relationship to progress past superficial social interaction.

Therapeutic Communication

Techniques used by the nurse to facilitate a positive and productive interaction, which can be nonverbal (like listening and silence) or verbal (like clarifying and summarizing).

Nontherapeutic Communication

Communication techniques that block the development of a trusting and therapeutic relationship between the nurse and patient.

Impaired verbal communication

A nursing diagnosis applied to patients having difficulty with communicating verbally.

Aphasic patients

Individuals who experience a loss of ability to understand or express speech, requiring special communication strategies.

Closed questioning

A therapeutic verbal technique that asks for specific, usually brief, responses.

Open-ended questioning

A therapeutic verbal technique designed to encourage the patient to elaborate and share more details.

Space and territoriality

Environmental factors affecting communication related to the physical distance between people and their personal boundaries.

Alternative methods for communication

Non-verbal tools such as lip-reading, sign language, word or picture cards, and computer-assisted communication used for patients with special needs.