HLTENN002 Apply Communication Skills in Nursing Practice

UNIVERSITY
Task
Case study 1 analysis
Student name
Tutor

Case study 1 analysis
Question a
Nonverbal communication in nursing care is an essential attribute which entails body
language communication. Body language communicates a lot, especially for terminally ill
patients. Patients with dementia often fumble words and portray difficulty to express them.
Inability to initiate communications is one of the common causes of agitation which the
caregiver and the patient experiences get frustrated on. Better and effective communication
improves the care of dementia patient such as patient Jackson in the case study. Better
communication reduces agitation withdrawal and worrisome behaviors.
Key basic nonverbal communication to be utilized for the patient entails the following;
- Facial expression
Using a facial expression to express emotions seems to portray a lot and communicate
how the patient is feeling with the disease or conditions affecting Patient Edith. The facial
expression of happiness, comfortable and showing joy can be relayed to the patient.
- Eye contact
Usage of eye contact on the patient offers meaningful information with regard to patient
condition. The way to observe the patient speaks a lot with the inclusion of eye contact is
key in developing patient engagement and reaction to the care process.
- Touch
Enhancing touch is another way of nonverbal communication. Various types of touch
can be used such as a thump handshake, gentle shoulder tap, warm hug and reassuring pat
on the back is key in enhancing touch as an effective way of ensuring the patient is
comfortable, (Gault, 2017).
Question b
Communication is vital in providing good and efficient dementia care, if left unattended to,
communication challenges with the patient may have a significant effect on quality of life and
care, poor communication will yield high levels of anxiety and depression, as the disease
progresses, language skills for the patient declines. Stages in dementia development portray
significant communication challenges. Key beneficial verbal communication techniques
entail the following;
- Allowing the patient to respond and repeat as necessary, this gives time for question
synthesis and digestion.
- Using supportive empathy and supportive responses so that to show feelings of
empathy and understanding what is being communicated.