How do you care for patients who may not be able to communicate?

"Nonverbal patients deserve the same care, respect, and attentiveness as other patients and may require a little more time. Patience is key when working with patients who cannot communicate their needs in typical ways. I always speak to them professionally, avoiding speaking to them like a child or a lesser person. I work to build a relationship, so I understand if there are ways they can effectively communicate (IE, writing, sign language, head nods) and utilize those methods to provide care and treatment to them."

"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 with other patients. For example, I knock when entering the room, introduce myself, and explain why I am in their room. I explain each step of what I am doing; for instance, if I check their vitals, I explain what I'm going to do before I do it. I look for non-verbal cues for signs of pain or discomfort, fear, or anxiety. Often, patients can still communicate with a smile or a nod, 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."