Interpersonal communication

• What is health literacy?

  Health literacy is the capacity to understand basic health information and services.
• Why do nurses want to increase people's health literacy?

  To help individuals make appropriate health care decisions.
• At what reading level is most health information written?

  At a high school level or higher.
• What percentage of adults have proficient health literacy?

  Only 12% of adults have proficient health literacy.
• Which populations are identified as having low health literacy rates?

  Older people, racial and ethnic minorities, and those without a high school diploma.
• What strategies can help improve patient understanding during education or instruction?

  • Evaluate understanding before, during, and after education
  • Limit the number of messages at one time
  • Use simple language and explain medical terms clearly
  • Deliver the most important points first
  • Prepare written information at a fifth to sixth grade level
• What happens when there is a language barrier between an individual and a healthcare provider?

  The individual is less likely to convey their complaints and concerns.
• What are some strategies for working with interpreters?

  • Look at and speak directly to the individual
  • Use short sentences
  • Avoid slang
  • Remain patient
  • Avoid family interpreters
• How can visual impairment affect communication?

  Visual impairment does not have to lead to impaired communication.
• What should you do when communicating with a visually impaired person?

  Be verbally descriptive and use the words "look" and "see" normally.
• What should you never do with a service dog?

  Never touch or distract the person's service dog.
• What is the definition of deafness?

  Deafness is the condition of having no hearing.
• What is the difference between being hard of hearing and deaf?

  Hard of hearing refers to mild to moderate hearing loss, while deaf means no hearing.
• What should you do if a person hears better from one ear than the other?

  Position yourself accordingly to the better hearing ear.
• What age range defines the advanced age group in this context?

  Born between 1946 and 1964.
• What are the definitions of delirium and dementia?

  • Delirium: temporary or reversible period of disorientation, hallucinations, or delusions (acute)
  • Dementia: progressive, irreversible decline in mental function (chronic)
• When does communication begin between a healthcare professional and a client?

  When they observe each other's body language.
• What are the two types of communication mentioned?

  • Unintentional communication
  • Intentional communication
• What percentage of communication is nonverbal?

  70%
• What percentage of communication involves tone of voice?

  23%
• What percentage of communication occurs through chosen words?

  7%
• How can nonverbal communication affect verbal messages?

  It can enhance or interfere with them.
• When does effective communication occur?

  When verbal and nonverbal messages are consistent and congruent.
• What are the types of nonverbal communication?

  • Kinesics: body movements and gestures
  • Proxemics: physical distance between people
• What are illustrators in terms of gestures?

  Intentional gestures that emphasize or clarify verbal content.
• What are leakage gestures?

  Involuntary or subconscious gestures that reveal true feelings.
• How are many facial expressions characterized?

  They are biologically determined, universal, and learned similarly across cultures.
• What is the role of gaze in communication?

  It is used to observe, assess, regulate conversation, and express feelings.
• What is the normal gaze pattern in conversation for direct eye contact?

  50% to 60% of the time.
• What can happen if a speaker looks at a listener for too long?

  It can be experienced as intrusion, intimidation, or lack of respect.
• How often do speakers gaze at listeners?

  About 40% of the time.
• How often do listeners look at the speaker?

  About 75% of the time.
• What are the distance zones in communication?

  • Intimate: up to 1.5 feet
  • Personal: 1.5 to 4 feet
  • Social: 4 to 12 feet
  • Public: more than 12 feet
• What is the recommended personal distance in a healthcare setting?

  An arm's length away from the client at eye-level.
• What can too much distance in communication indicate?

  It can communicate avoidance or discomfort.
• What does posture refer to in communication?

  It refers to the position of the body and limbs as well as muscle tone.
• What does a drooping head and sagging shoulders indicate?

  Discouragement or sadness.
• What does an upright posture and increased muscle tone indicate?

  High anxiety or fear.
• What does leaning forward with legs drawn back indicate?

  Interest.
• What does a lowered head and backward leaning position indicate?

  Boredom.