The nurse using critical thinking to enhance communication with ...

[JGIBBSON]

The nurse using critical thinking to enhance communication with patients is one who
 
  a. Shows sympathy appropriately.
  b. Uses automatic responses fluently.
  c. Self-examines personal communication skills.
  d. Demonstrates passive remarks accurately.

Question 2

The staff is having a hard time getting an older adult patient to communicate. Which technique should the nurse suggest the staff use?
 
  a. Allow the patient to reminisce.
  b. Try changing topics often.
  c. Involve only the patient in conversations.
  d. Ask the patient for explanations.

[poopface]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Nurses who use critical thinking skills interpret messages received from others, analyze their content, make inferences about their meaning, evaluate their effects, explain rationales for communication techniques used, and self-examine personal communication skills. Sympathy is concern, sorrow, or pity felt for the patient and is nontherapeutic. Clichs and stereotyped remarks are automatic phrases that communicate that the nurse is not taking concerns seriously or responding thoughtfully. Passive responses serve to avoid conflict or to sidestep issues.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Encouraging older adults to share life stories and reminisce about the past has a therapeutic effect and increases their sense of well-being. Avoid sudden shifts from subject to subject. It is helpful to include the patient's family and friends and to become familiar with the patient's favorite topics for conversation. Asking for explanations is a nontherapeutic technique.

[JGIBBSON]

TYSM

[jordangronback]

Great answer, keep it coming