Which communication strategy is most appropriate for a critical care nurse to use when communicating with a ventilated patient? The nurse should:

Question

1. Use professional terminology and provide the patient with detailed information.
2. Use simple language and explain in other terms if the patient does not seem to understand.
3. Provide minimal information so the patient is not overwhelmed.
4. Discuss issues primarily with the family because the patient is unlikely to understand the information.

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Individuals who are not familiar with health care often do not understand professional language. Confusion and a lack of understanding often result if the information is presented only with professional terminology.
Rationale 2: Simple layman's language of information is better understood and repeating or rephrasing gives the patient a better understanding when in a stressful situation.
Rationale 3: Minimal disclosure of information will increase the stress of the patient by increasing confusion and concerns from the lack of understanding about the illness or treatment process. Complete disclosure is the right of the patient and the obligation of health care professionals.
Rationale 4: Disclosing information or communicating only with the patient's family denies the patient the right of choice and the respect or dignity expected. Legally and ethically, except under very specific restrictions, the patient has a right to know, and it is the health care professional's responsibility to explain clearly for informed consent to occur.