Comparative Analysis: Nursing Communication Strategies for Patients

This report presents a comparative analysis of nursing communication strategies, specifically focusing on two patient scenarios: a child and an elderly adult, both experiencing gastroenteritis and dehydration. The report highlights the importance of tailored communication approaches based on the patient's age and individual needs. It emphasizes the use of encouragement and the need to adapt communication techniques to ensure effective rehydration. For the child, the report suggests focusing on making the process fun and appealing to their preferences, while for the elderly patient, it emphasizes providing clear explanations and considering their individual preferences and concerns. The report references various sources to support the discussed strategies. The report provides insights into effective patient communication and care.

Example of comparative writing style expected in assessment 3
This is an example of writing in a similar style to that expected for this assessment. The scenario the
example is writing about below is similiar to what you have to address- 2 patients have
gastroenteritis and dehydration. In the example the writer has compared the nursing
communication approaches that are relevant for a child and an elderly adult. You have different
nursing care elements to discuss in assessment 2 however this example highlights the discussion-
based writing style required.
Example: Section from a comparative essay
Nursing Care: Nursing communication - instructing patient about frequent sips of clear fluids of
his/her choice or dextrose/electrolyte oral rehydration solution (ORS) as he/she can tolerate
Two main nursing interventions known for rehydrating patients, are intravenous therapy and oral
rehydration solution commonly known as ORS. In George’s and Eloise’s scenarios, both of these
interventions are used. ORS is composed of sodium, dextrose and bicarbonate and can be mixed
with other diluted drinks if preferred (Churgay & Aftab, 2012). A common similarity between George
and Eloise in terms of this nursing element is encouragement from the nursing staff. Regularly
drinking fluids while feeling sick and experiencing pain in the stomach can be quite difficult for any
age. Encouraging communication is therefore needed for both patients in order to help them with
improving rehydration. However in order to achieve this, different communication techniques are
required.
For Eloise, encouraging communication that centers around her is important. At this age, a child's
main focus is on themselves and how certain things will effect them (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2013).
Therefore by talking to Eloise about how drinking the fluid will make her feel better and not talking
about anything else, will gain her attention and focus. Making the task fun will also enhance her
interest. Additionally Jones identifies (2013) that small children dislike unfamiliar tastes so asking
about her parent about what is familiar is to her and using it is important. For example, allowing her
to drink diluted juice or cordial flavours that she likes and giving her a reward for reaching a certain
point will make it feel more like a prize than a task.
This type of encouragement communication is significantly different with George. Where Eloise is
more focused on how things affect her, at George’s age, he is more likely to be thinking of how his
illness will affect his wife, how he feels and what he can do to feel better. Therefore, in terms of
communication, the most appropriate way would be to explain options and benefits to him (Brown
& Edwards, 2013). George will most likely be a lot more willing to cooperate if he understands that
regular intake of small amounts of fluid will help improve his hydration level and make recovery a lot
quicker. Another way of encouraging fluid intake for George, would be to consider his individual
preferences by asking his normal intake patterns, for example is he more likely to prefer weak tea,
water or something else? (Rose, 2014)