nr222 therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication (2/4)

This set of flashcards covers the essential attitudes, techniques, and differences between therapeutic and non-therapeutic communication in the nursing context based on lecture notes.

What is the primary function of therapeutic communication in nursing?

It builds trust, encourages openness, and supports healing.

How can non-therapeutic communication impact client care?

It can unintentionally create barriers, confusion, or even distress.

How does 'interest in the client' affect the therapeutic relationship?

Clients respond positively when nurses show genuine concern for their well-being.

Which attitudes drive thorough assessments and help identify health needs?

Perseverance and creativity.

Why is self-confidence an essential attitude for nurses?

It builds trust and fosters caring relationships.

What does 'independence' in communication encourage?

Understanding the environment and thinking independently encourages collaboration and idea-sharing.

What is the role of 'integrity' in nurse-client communication?

Recognizing when opinions differ, reviewing all perspectives, and communicating to reach mutually beneficial decisions.

What must a nurse do when they are uncertain about any aspect of care to maintain 'responsibility'?

Communicate clearly and seek assistance to ensure client safety.

What does a nurse demonstrate by acknowledging when improvement is needed in cultural needs?

Humility.

What is the definition of active listening?

Being attentive to what the client is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.

In the SURETY acronym, what does the 'S' stand for?

Sit at an angle facing the client.

In the SURETY acronym, what does the 'U' stand for?

Uncross your arms and legs to suggest that you are “open” to what the client has to say.

Why is crossing your arms considered negative in communication?

It is a defensive position that may evoke a similar response from the client.

In the SURETY acronym, what does the 'E' stand for?

Establish and maintain intermittent eye contact with the client.

What might an absence of eye contact indicate to a client?

That you are not interested.

In the SURETY acronym, what does the 'T' stand for?

Use respectful and appropriate touch to convey empathy and compassion.

In the SURETY acronym, what does the 'Y' represent?

Trust your intuition as you individualize, adapt, and apply communication techniques.

How can 'sharing observations' benefit a quiet or withdrawn client?

It may help a client communicate without the need for extensive questioning and help jump-start communication.

What is a verbal example of 'sharing observations'?

“You seem tired today” or “I’ve noticed that you haven’t eaten much today.”

How is 'empathy' defined in the context of therapeutic communication?

The ability to understand and accept another person’s reality and communicate this understanding.

How can a nurse communicate a sense of possibility or 'hope' to a client?

Through encouragement, positive feedback, reinforcement, and reminding the client of their strengths.

In which phase of the therapeutic relationship is humor most appropriately placed?

The orientation phase.

What topics must a nurse never joke about when sharing humor?

Sexual orientation, race, economic status, disability, or cultural attributes.

Why is it important to acknowledge a client's expression of feelings?

The expression of feelings is very important to emotional health.

Why is 'sharing information' considered an essential part of health teaching?

It provides clients with what they need to make informed decisions and experience less anxiety.

What is the rule regarding withholding information from clients?

No matter the seriousness of the subject, information should not be withheld from clients.

What does the use of touch convey to a client?

Affection, emotional support, encouragement, tenderness, and personal attention.

What should a nurse do before touching a client?

Be aware of nonverbal cues and ask permission.

What are the benefits of using silence as a communication technique?

It allows the client to think, gain insight, and share feelings.

When is silence considered especially beneficial for a client?

When the client is experiencing grief or sadness.

What are the characteristics of a therapeutic self-disclosure?

It is brief, focused on the client, builds rapport, and encourages confidence/coping.

What does 'clarifying' involve in therapeutic communication?

Restating an unclear message, asking the client to rephrase, explain further, or provide an example.

What is the primary danger of non-therapeutic communication strategies?

They can damage professional relationships by triggering defensiveness and discouraging open expression.

Why is asking personal questions solely for curiosity considered non-therapeutic?

It is inappropriate in a professional setting; clients should share private info on their own time.

How do personal opinions differ from professional advice?

Professional advice offers suggestions for the client to accept or reject; personal opinions take away from the client's decision-making ability.

How do clients often interpret 'why' questions?

As an accusation or a test of competence.

What is a therapeutic alternative to asking 'Why are you afraid of surgery?'

“You seem scared. Tell me more about how you are feeling.”

What do automatic responses usually result from?

Stereotypes, which reflect poor nursing judgment.

What is 'parroting' and why should it be avoided?

Repeating the client’s exact statements word for word; it indicates you are not invested in the conversation.

What technique should be used instead of 'parroting'?

Paraphrasing.

What is implied when a nurse becomes defensive when criticized?

That no one else’s opinion matters.

Why is it important to listen when a client expresses criticism?

It allows the nurse to discover why the client is dissatisfied.

Why is challenging or arguing with a client non-therapeutic?

It is nonproductive and damaging to the relationship.

What message does changing the subject send to a client?

That what the client is saying lacks importance.

If changing the subject is necessary to meet healthcare needs, what should the nurse say?

Reassure the client that you will return to their concerns as soon as possible.

What is the negative impact of false reassurance?

It discourages open communication and blocks the expression of feelings.

How does the text define 'sympathy'?

Concern, pity, or sorrow felt for another person where the nurse takes on the client's problems as their own.

Why is sympathy considered non-therapeutic compared to empathy?

It prevents a clear perspective of the issues the client is facing.

Why should nurses avoid offering approval or disapproval?

Nurses should not impose their own attitudes, values, or moral standards; each client must make their own informed decisions.

What message does agreeing or disagreeing with a client's moral decision send?

That you have the right to make a value judgment about their decision.