Term
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Definition
| a nonverbal technique which can be effective in allowing the patient time to collect thoughts or to gain control of emotions. It takes practice to become comfortable enough in talking with patients to allow periods of silence to occur. Silence is not helpful if it is used when the patient is asking for feedback. |
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Term
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Definition
| Listening attentively, nodding, occasionally using paralanguage, indicating that you have heard and follow the trend of thought. This does not indicate agreement, it is non-judgmental. EXAMPLES: saying, “uh-huh”, “Yes”, “I’m following what you are saying”. |
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Definition
| To indicate awareness of change, noting efforts made without burdening the patient with praise or approval. EXAMPLES: “I see you ate all of your lunch today”, “You’ve put on your make-up.” |
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Definition
| Demonstrate an honest, open posture, making self available to demonstrate concern unconditionally. EXAMPLES: “I will sit here with you.”, “I’m interested in you.” |
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Definition
| Allows patient to take the initiative in introducing a topic, avoid ‘small talk’. EXAMPLES: “Is there anything you would like to talk about?”, “Where would you like to begin?” |
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Definition
| Gives encouragement to continue, indicates the nurse is following what has been said and is interested in what is to come next. EXAMPLES: “Go on…”, “And then what?” |
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Term
| Placing Event in Time & Sequence |
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Definition
| Placing events chronologically to see items in perspective, cause-effect relationships. EXAMPLES: “What seemed to lead up to…”, “Was this before or after…?” |
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Term
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Definition
| Stating aloud what you specifically observe about the patient. Then allow time for the client to respond to these observations to validate or refute them. EXAMPLES: “I notice that you are restless”, “I see that you look scared.” |
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Term
| Encouraging Descriptions of Perceptions |
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Definition
| Ask the patient to verbalize what they perceive, this aids in allowing the nurse to see things as the patient seems to. EXAMPLES: “How do you view these happenings?” |
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Definition
| Asking that similarities and differences be noted brings out many recurring themes. EXAMPLES: “Was this something like…?”, “Have you had similar experiences?” |
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Definition
| Repeating the main thought the patient had expressed. EXAMPLES: The patient says, “I feel sad today.” The nurse replies, “You feel sad.” |
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Definition
| Directs back to the patient their content and feelings thus encouraging the patient to bring forth and accept as part of themselves their own ideas and feelings. EXAMPLES: The patient says, “Tell me what to do about my bad marriage.”, The nurse replies, “What do you think you should do?”; The patient states, “The loss of my job was a blow to me, I’m so mad.”, The nurse replies, “You are angry about losing your job.” |
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Term
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Definition
| Concentrating on a single point or idea that the patient has expressed, do not use if very anxious. |
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Term
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Definition
| Seeking more information, delving further into a subject, idea, experience, or relationship, especially when a patient is superficial in content, this will help the nurse complete the picture of the patient’s problems. EXAMPLES: “Tell me more about that…”, “Would you describe that more fully.” |
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Term
| Seeking Clarification & Vallidation |
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Definition
| Striving to explain that which is vague or incomprehensible and searching for mutual understanding. EXAMPLES: “I’m not sure I follow, are you saying…”, “What would you say is the main point of what you just said?” |
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Definition
| Offering that which is real for the patient to consider. May to helpful to use for a patient who is confused, delusional or hallucinating. EXAMPLES: “I see no one else in the room.”, “Your mother is not here, I am your nurse.” |
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Definition
| Expressing uncertainty as to the reality of the patient’s perceptions; may be helpful for a patient who is confused, delusional or hallucinating. EXAMPLES: “I find that hard to believe.”, That seems rather doubtful to me.” |
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Definition
| Putting into words what the patient has only implied or said indirectly, this clarifies the implicit rather than the explicit. EXAMPLES: The patient says, “I hate my mom, she’s mean”, the nurse replies, “You are angry at your mom.” |
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Term
| Attempting to Translate Words into Feelings |
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Definition
| When feelings are expressed indirectly, the nurse tries to “desymbolize” what has been said and to find clues to the underlying true feelings. EXAMPLES: The patient says, “I am way out in the ocean”, the nurse replies, “You must be feeling very lonely right now.” |
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Term
| Formulating a Plan of Action |
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Definition
| Asking the patient to consider the kind of behavior likely to be appropriate in future situations. This should be patient driven. EXAMPLES: “What could you do to let your anger out harmlessly next time?”, “Next time this comes up, what might you do to handle it?” |
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Definition
| Making available the facts the patient needs. EXAMPLES: “My purpose for being here is…”, “Hi, my name is Flo, I am your student nurse today.” |
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