Question

A young male patient enters the emergency department with fever and signs of a possible sexually transmitted infection. The nurse enters the patient's cubicle and begins to enter a history on the computer screen. Before beginning the nurse introduces himself and tells the patient all information will be held confidentially. The nurse starts data collection by establishing eye contact with the patient and then looks at the computer prompts to select a series of questions. As the nurse fills out questions on the computer, the patient asks a question about his treatment. The nurse states, "Let me get through these questions first." Which action interferes with the nurse's ability to use connection as a communication skill. a. Introducing self to patient b. Using the computer as a prompt for questions c. Making the nurse's questions a priority d. Assuring the patient all information is confidential

Short answer

Action c. Making the nurse's questions a priority interferes with the nurse's ability to use connection as a communication skill.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the communication skill under consideration

The nurse's ability to connect with the patient is the primary communication skill being assessed in this scenario. A nurse needs to establish a rapport and trust with the patient to collect accurate data and address the patient's concerns.

Analyze each action for its impact on communication

Review each of the given actions to evaluate how each either contributes to or interferes with the ability to use connection as a communication skill. The goal is to identify which action might create a barrier to effective communication.

Determine the action that interferes with communication

Introducing oneself to the patient (a) and assuring confidentiality (d) both help in building trust and rapport, and using the computer as a prompt (b) aids in systematically collecting patient data. Prioritizing the nurse's questions over listening to the patient's concern (c), however, interrupts the flow of communication and fails to address the patient's immediate needs, thereby interfering with the connection.

Key concepts

Nurse-Patient Relationship

The foundation of nursing care is the nurse-patient relationship. It is paramount for nurses to establish trust and rapport with their patients as a stepping stone for all subsequent interactions. This connection facilitates effective communication, which in turn improves the quality of care provided.

Building a strong nurse-patient relationship starts with simple gestures such as introducing oneself and providing reassurance about confidentiality, just like in the scenario from the exercise. When patients feel understood and valued, they are more likely to share sensitive information, contributing to more accurate and complete patient histories.

Respect for the patient's concerns and questions, regardless of the task at hand, is also crucial. A nurse's willingness to pause and address a patient's question conveys empathy and validates the patient's feelings, strengthening the bond and trust within the relationship. This attention to the patient's needs is not just about niceties; it is a professional requirement that is intrinsic to patient-centered care.

Effective Communication in Healthcare

Effective communication within the healthcare setting is not only about transmitting information; it's about ensuring that it is understood and utilized by patients and the healthcare team. It involves active listening, empathy, clarity, and timely responses. Tools like computer systems are certainly useful, but they should not overshadow the importance of human interaction.

In the given exercise, the nurse's use of computer prompts for questioning typifies modern healthcare's integration of technology. While this can aid in systematic data collection, prioritizing technology or strict processes over patient engagement can impede effective communication.

To maintain effective communication, healthcare providers should:

• Listen attentively to patient concerns before proceeding with standard questionnaires.
• Exhibit patience and open body language to make the patient feel at ease.
• Provide clear responses and avoid medical jargon that the patient may not understand.

Improving communication leads to better patient outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and more efficient healthcare delivery.

Patient History Taking

Patient history taking is a fundamental component of healthcare that involves collecting comprehensive information to inform diagnosis and treatment plans. A thorough history is often as critical as the physical examination. In the exercise, the nurse prioritizes collecting data from the computer over the patient's immediate question, which can lead to missing vital patient cues or information.

A proficient nurse balances the need for thoroughness with the need for patient engagement. This includes:

• Being present and giving full attention to the patient.
• Asking open-ended questions that allow for more detailed patient responses.
• Encouraging patients to express their concerns and symptoms in their own words.

Emphasizing the patient's narrative can reveal valuable aspects of their health status and concerns, making history taking more effective and fostering better healthcare outcomes. In essence, patient history is storytelling, where the nurse plays the critical role of both listener and interpreter.