How do you care for patients who cannot communicate?
As an RN at Cleveland Clinic, you may care for nonverbal patients due to a stroke, dementia-related illness, or other injuries or disabilities. It's essential to demonstrate that you treat them respectfully and deliver the same quality care you would to other patients. You can acknowledge that these patients may require more time, patience, and reassurance. Give examples of ways you communicate and care for these types of patients. Perhaps you know sign language, communicate with pen and paper, read lips, or look for nonverbal signals like a smile, nod, etc.
"Just because a patient cannot speak or is in a vegetative state does not mean they cannot think and feel. It's important to remember, when caring for non-communicative patients, to treat them with the same respect and care you would other patients. For example, as a student, I knocked when entering the room, introduced myself, and explained why I was in their room. I would explain each step of what I was doing; for instance, if I was checking their vitals, I explained what I would do before I did it and as I moved through the clinical process. I looked for non-verbal cues for signs of pain or discomfort, fear, or anxiety. Often, patients can still communicate with a smile, a nod, etc., so it's important to be on the lookout for nonverbal cues. I also use close-ended questions that require a yes or no if they can shake their head. Lastly, if they can write, I will provide a pen and paper to communicate, and I'm very patient throughout the process."
"Nonverbal patients deserve the same quality care and attentiveness as other patients and may require a little more time to treat. Patience is key when working with patients who cannot communicate their needs in typical ways. I always speak to them in a professional tone, avoiding speaking to them like a child or a lesser person. Treating them with respect is so important. I work to build a relationship, so I understand if there are ways they can communicate (IE, writing, sign language, head nods) and utilize those methods to provide care and treatment to them."
