How do you care for a patient who has communication barriers?
As a nurse associate, you may care for patients who are nonverbal due to a stroke, dementia-related illness, or other injuries or disabilities. It's important to demonstrate that you treat them with the same level of respect and deliver the same quality care that you would to other patients. You can acknowledge that these patients may require a little 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, head nod, etc.
"Just because a patient cannot speak or is in a vegetative state, does not mean that they cannot think and feel. It's important to remember that when caring for non-communicative patients and to treat them with the same respect and care you would with other patients. For example, I always knock when entering the room and introduce myself and explain why I'm in their room. I will explain each step of what I'm doing; for instance, if I'm checking their vitals, I explain what I'm going to do before I do it and as I move through the clinical process. I look 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."
