Communication Challenges and Strategies
Communication Challenges and Strategies ( 7 Questions)
A nurse is working with a client who has a hearing impairment. Which communication technique should the nurse use to enhance understanding?
Speak in a high-pitched voice to increase clarity. - This is not a helpful technique, as a high-pitched voice may be more difficult to hear or understand than a normal or low-pitched voice. The nurse should speak in a normal or slightly lower tone of voice, and avoid shouting or whispering.
Stand behind the client and speak into their ear. - This is not an effective technique, as standing behind the client prevents them from seeing the nurse's face and lips, which can aid in communication. The nurse should stand in front of the client, at their eye level, and speak into their better ear if they have one.
Face the client and speak slowly and clearly.
Rationale: The nurse should face the client and speak slowly and clearly, using simple and familiar words, to enhance understanding. The nurse should also maintain eye contact, use facial expressions and gestures, and check for comprehension frequently.
Cover the mouth with a hand while speaking to reduce background noise. - This is not an appropriate technique, as covering the mouth with a hand obscures the nurse's lips and facial expressions, which can hinder communication. The nurse should avoid covering their mouth or wearing a mask if possible, and reduce background noise by closing doors or windows, turning off radios or televisions, or moving to a quieter location.
Correct answer: C) Face the client and speak slowly and clearly.
Rationale: The nurse should face the client and speak slowly and clearly, using simple and familiar words, to enhance understanding. The nurse should also maintain eye contact, use facial expressions and gestures, and check for comprehension frequently.
Incorrect options:
A) Speak in a high-pitched voice to increase clarity. - This is not a helpful technique, as a high-pitched voice may be more difficult to hear or understand than a normal or low-pitched voice. The nurse should speak in a normal or slightly lower tone of voice, and avoid shouting or whispering.
B) Stand behind the client and speak into their ear. - This is not an effective technique, as standing behind the client prevents them from seeing the nurse's face and lips, which can aid in communication. The nurse should stand in front of the client, at their eye level, and speak into their better ear if they have one.
D) Cover the mouth with a hand while speaking to reduce background noise. - This is not an appropriate technique, as covering the mouth with a hand obscures the nurse's lips and facial expressions, which can hinder communication. The nurse should avoid covering their mouth or wearing a mask if possible, and reduce background noise by closing doors or windows, turning off radios or televisions, or moving to a quieter location.