Author Question: What actions by the nurse are best for communicating with an unconscious patient? Select all that ... (Read 59 times)

Lisaclaire · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

What actions by the nurse are best for communicating with an unconscious patient? Select all that apply.

a. Speak loudly and clearly.
b. Explain all procedures.
c. Use touch appropriately.
d. Speak calmly and slowly.
e. Introduce yourself.

Question 2

Which of the following statements are reflective of barriers to communication? Select all that apply.

a. I see you had a heart attack. Why are you still smoking?
b. I know you are having pain in your knee. I will check your vital signs before getting your pain medications.
c. The nursing assistant told me you are having back pain. I'll get your pain medication now.
d. Tell me a little more about the chest pain you were having at home.
e. Let's talk about all the possible causes and treatments for chest pain.

mathjasmine · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

B, C, D, E
Touch, speak to, and advise unconscious patients of the care you are providing. Out of respect for the patient, always introduce yourself before starting. Although patients may not be able to respond, they may be able to hear and so hear your comments. Never assume they cannot hear Other methods to enhance communication with the unconscious patient include explaining all procedures, providing soothing music and periods of rest, speaking calmly and slowly, and beginning each interaction by introducing yourself.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, C, E
Barriers to effective communication include asking too many questions, asking why questions, changing the subject inappropriately, failing to probe, offering advice, fire-hosing, and many others. In this item, it is inappropriate for the nurse to ask the patient why he hasn't stopped smoking. This may make the patient feel the nurse does not approve of him or he may become defensive and stop talking. In the response in which the nurse asks to obtain vital sign measurements and then provide pain medication, she is changing the subject. If the patient is in pain, he may not be receptive to having his vital signs measured and recorded. This can also make a patient feel that the nurse's tasks are more important than are the patient's needs. Failing to probe can result in inaccurate assessment, leading to inaccurate care. The nurse must further assess the patient's pain before administering pain medications. She cannot rely solely on a statement by the certified nursing assistant (CNA). Talking about all the possible causes of chest pain is an example of fire-hosing information, which is delivering an overwhelming amount of information all at once. This barrier to communication can lead the patient or family to feel stunned, confused, intimidated, and helpless. The only appropriate statement in this item is to request and further investigate the chest pain the patient was experiencing at home. This is an open-ended question and will lead to more dialogue between the patient and nurse.