thereby his recovery time. Study the techniques discussed in paragraphs 1-15 and
1-16. Become familiar enough with them so that they become a natural part of your
conversations.
b. When your patient communicates with you, you must be able to correctly
observe, evaluate, and respond. Your knowledge, understanding, and skill in human
relations will enable you to do so.
1-18. CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF EFFECTIVE THERAPEUTIC COMMUNICATION
a. Be able to decipher the patient's message. Get to know the patient well
enough to discover the underlying meaning (intent) of his/her communication. Be alert
and perceptive enough to pick up the correct message. Many people feel
uncomfortable talking about their feelings, especially if they are trying to be "good
patients." Learn to "read between the lines."
b. Be realistic in your relationships with people; avoid making assumptions or
judgments about your patients' behavior. If you have negative thoughts about
something a patient says or does, try to keep in mind that he is an adult, responsible for
making his own decisions. You do not want him to feel he must conceal anything from
you. You want him to see that you will accept him for what he is; you will allow him his
own identity.
c. Be emotionally mature enough to postpone the satisfaction of your own needs
in deference to the patient's. Find sources other than the therapeutic relationship to
meet your own needs.
1-19. NURSING INTERVENTION WITH PATIENTS WITH SPECIAL
COMMUNICATION NEEDS
a. Blind Patients.
(1)
Always speak to the patient when you enter the room so he will know
who is there.
(2)
Speak directly to the patient; do not turn your back.
(3)
Speak to the patient in a normal tone of voice; he is blind, not deaf.
(4)
Speak to the patient before touching him/her.
(5) Offer to help with arrangements for patients who may enjoy hearing
tapes or reading Braille literature.
MD0905
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