Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 4: The Nurse-Client/Relationship

What are the components of the communication process?

The components of the communication process are the sender, the message, the channel, the receiver, and feedback. The sender is a person who generates a verbal or nonverbal message through an auditory, visual, or kinesthetic channel, to a receiver. The process is cyclical, since the receiver gives the sender feedback.

What are the factors influencing communication?

The factors influencing communication are the individual’s perception of the environment; the cultural context of the interaction; the individual’s definition of acceptable space and distance, or personal space; and the amount of time available for the communication. These factors interact with the components of the communication process (sender, message, channel, and receiver).

What are the levels of communication?

The levels of communication are the intrapersonal level, or self-talk; the interpersonal level, occurring between two people; the group level, occurring between three or more individuals; and the interdisciplinary level, occurring among members of a health care team.

What are the modes of communication?

The modes of communication are both verbal and nonverbal. Verbal communication includes messages sent with words or language. Verbal communication can be spoken or written. Nonverbal communication includes messages sent through body language, such as posture, gestures, touch, facial expressions, and physical appearance.

What makes a communication “therapeutic”?

Therapeutic communication involves using empathy, confidentiality, honesty, validation, caring, and active listening to create a beneficial outcome for a client. Therapeutic communication is purposeful, nonjudgmental, and client-centered. Language, cultural, and gender differences negatively affect therapeutic communication, as do the health, developmental level, and emotions of both sender and receiver. Professionals impede communication by using health care jargon and communication roadblocks, such as false reassurance or judging the client.

What are nursing diagnoses related to communication?

Possible nursing diagnoses of situations in which a client experiences problems with communication are Impaired Verbal Communication, Social Isolation Related to Impaired Verbal Communication, Anxiety Related to Impaired Verbal Communication, and Low Self-Esteem Related to Impaired Verbal Communication.